Shillong, May 13: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has strongly condemned the “brutal and cowardly killing” of Baptist church leaders in Manipur and demanded immediate action from the Centre and State government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a statement, Sangma termed the attack on unarmed pastors and church workers “deeply disturbing and utterly unacceptable in any civilised society.”
“The victims, who were respected members of the Kuki Baptist community and associated with the Manipur Baptist Convention and the Kuki Church Leaders Forum, devoted their lives to spiritual guidance, peacebuilding, and service to humanity,” Sangma stated.
“Targeting such individuals is not only an attack on innocent lives but also a grave assault on the values of harmony, compassion, and coexistence that bind our society together,” he added.
Sangma, also the National People’s Party (NPP) chief, said the party stands in solidarity with the bereaved families and the entire Kuki Baptist community during this moment of profound grief.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers for the eternal repose of those who lost their lives, and we wish a swift and full recovery to those injured in this horrific incident.”
Calling on authorities to act, the chief minister urged the government of India and the government of Manipur to take immediate and decisive action.
“A thorough, transparent, and time-bound investigation must be undertaken to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are identified and brought to justice without delay. Accountability is essential not only to deliver justice to the victims but also to restore faith among affected communities,” he stated.
The NPP chief further urged authorities to “enhance security measures to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable communities, particularly in conflict-affected areas.”
“The repeated targeting of civilians and community leaders underscores the urgent need for stronger intervention and preventive action,” he said, reiterating “the importance of dialogue, reconciliation, and collective efforts toward peace.”
“Violence can never be a solution to any grievance, and such acts only deepen divisions and prolong suffering,” the NPP chief added.
Sangma also appealed to “all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, community leaders, and citizens, to come together in the spirit of unity and work towards restoring peace, harmony, and mutual trust across Manipur and the Northeast.”
