Archbishop Linus Neli condemns the killing of three Christian leaders in Manipur, urging peace amid rising violence and unrest in the region.
Newsroom (14/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) The killing of three Christian leaders in India’s northeastern state of Manipur has drawn sharp condemnation from Catholic Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal, who described the violence as a tragic and deeply disturbing act that underscores the urgent need for peace and reconciliation in the region.
The victims, affiliated with the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) and the United Baptist Council, were part of a group traveling from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi for an inter-association ecclesiastical meeting. Their convoy was ambushed by militants between Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district, leaving three dead and four others injured.
The attack has heightened tensions in Manipur, a state of just under three million people where religious and ethnic identities intersect sharply. Approximately 40 percent of the population is Hindu and another 40 percent Christian. Among the state’s Tribal communities—many of whom inhabit the hill districts—Christianity is the majority religion.
In a strongly worded statement, the Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) rejected any characterization of the incident as accidental or incidental. “This was not an incident. It was not an unfortunate encounter,” the statement said. “It was a premeditated act of terrorism aimed squarely at the heart of Kuki peace-making — and it must be named for what it is.”
KOHUR emphasized that the victims were not political actors or combatants but religious figures dedicated to peace-building efforts. “These were not combatants. They were not political figures. They were unarmed servants of God who had labored day and night… to build a bridge of reconciliation between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities,” the organization said.
The killings are being viewed in the context of ongoing tensions and violence in Manipur’s hill districts, where longstanding disputes between Kuki and Naga groups have periodically erupted into conflict. The latest attack is seen by some observers as part of a wider pattern of territorial aggression and retaliatory violence, further complicating efforts at reconciliation.
Archbishop Linus Neli, speaking from the state capital Imphal, expressed “deep sorrow and a heavy heart” over the incident. “This painful incident, in which innocent lives were lost and several others injured, has caused immense anguish and further deepened the suffering and uncertainty already prevailing in the state,” he said.
He condemned the targeting of religious leaders, noting their critical role as sources of hope during ongoing unrest. “I strongly condemn this heinous act committed against religious leaders who have remained a source of hope and strength during these difficult times of social unrest,” Neli said.
The archbishop warned that the cycle of violence threatens to erode social cohesion in an already fragile environment. Manipur has witnessed fresh and sporadic violence in recent months, contributing to widespread fear and instability. “Such tragic events remind us of the urgent need to uphold the sanctity of human life and renew our commitment to peace and reconciliation,” he said.
Neli also underscored the long-term consequences of continued conflict. “Violence only deepens wounds, prolongs suffering, and weakens the bonds that unite communities,” he said, adding that residents across the state are increasingly yearning for healing and a return to normalcy after enduring significant loss.
In an appeal directed at both communities and authorities, Neli called for restraint and dialogue. “I therefore make a sincere and humble appeal to all concerned to refrain from every form of violence and retaliation, and instead embrace dialogue, forgiveness, reconciliation, restraint, and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
He further urged government authorities and relevant institutions to respond with fairness and sensitivity. “Act with wisdom, fairness, and sensitivity so that peace with justice may prevail and confidence among communities may be restored,” he said.
The archbishop also expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, offering prayers and spiritual support. “We turn to God, the source of all compassion and mercy. We commend the souls of the innocent victims into his loving embrace,” he said.
Despite strong reactions and condemnations, many details surrounding the attack remain unclear. Father Varghese Velickakam, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Imphal, noted the complexity of the situation and the uncertainty surrounding the motives behind the assault. “We do not know the truth,” he said. “Implicating and counter-implicating, some forces are working behind to disrupt the peace process.”
As investigations continue, the incident has underscored the fragile nature of peace in Manipur and the significant challenges facing efforts to bridge divides between communities. For many observers, the killing of the three church leaders represents not only a tragic loss of life but also a direct blow to ongoing initiatives for reconciliation in one of India’s most sensitive regions.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Crux Now
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