Shillong, May 17: Several Baptist Cristian organisations from across the world have appealed to the United Naga Council (UNC) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) for immediate and unconditional release of the hostages taken by the outfits.
In a press statement, Manipur Baptist Convention, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation and Baptist World Alliance called for release of the hostages “in the spirit of Christian love, compassion, and reconciliation”.
Calling it a “painful moment”, the Baptist bodies said, “The continued captivity of innocent persons brings anguish to families, deepens fear and mistrust within society, and wounds the collective Christian witness in the land.”
They urged the outfits to “show mercy” and “ensure that the hostages are released safely and without harm at the earliest opportunity”.
Pointing out that that release of the hostages could “become a moment that reflects the teachings of Christ”, the Baptist bodies said, “Such an act of mercy and goodwill can become a powerful testimony of faith, courage, and commitment to peace.”
“We further appeal to all communities and leaders across Manipur to reject violence, hatred, retaliation, and actions that deepen suffering,” they said in the statement.
