UKHRUL/DELHI: Several major Christian bodies, including the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), have strongly condemned the brutal murder of six Naga civilians from Konsakhul after they were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village on May 13, 2026, and called upon the government to ensure immediate and thorough investigation and deliver justice.
The BWA, the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF), the National Council Baptist Churches in India, the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, and the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), in separate releases issued on Thursday, issued strong condemnation of the murder of the six Naga civilians and expressed deep concern. They stressed that justice is essential not only for the affected families but also for the preservation of public trust and lasting peace in the state.
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The six victims included “a pastor, an ordained minister, and devoted servants of God who had faithfully dedicated their lives to the spiritual nurture, peace, and well-being of society. Their tragic deaths have deeply wounded the Christian community and all peace-loving citizens,” the release by the MBC stated.
“We are horrified by reports that the victims were not only murdered but that their bodies were dismembered. Such acts are utterly inhuman, barbaric, and a gross violation of the God-given dignity and sanctity of human life. The mutilation of human bodies reflects a level of cruelty that is beyond comprehension and stands as a grave affront to all moral, ethical, and spiritual values,” it stated.
Terming the crime “Satanic,” MBC stated, “These evil acts desecrate the image of God in humanity, contradict the teachings of Jesus Christ, and have no place in any civilized and harmonious society. No cause, grievance, or circumstance can ever justify such atrocities.”
Lauding the Naga community for demonstrating humanity amid the conflict, MBC further stated, “We sincerely appreciate the Naga community for exercising restraint and demonstrating humanity with the safe release of the fourteen Kuki detainees without harm. Such actions reflect Christian compassion, goodwill, and a genuine desire for peace. As fellow followers of Christ, we had hoped for a similar spirit and reciprocal gesture. The tragic outcome of this incident has therefore caused profound anguish and pain.”
Demanding swift government action and justice, MBC urged the Government of Manipur, law enforcement agencies, and all concerned authorities to conduct an “immediate, impartial, transparent, and thorough investigation into this horrific crime”.
“The perpetrators must be swiftly identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. Any delay or failure to act decisively will only deepen the pain of the bereaved families and undermine public confidence in the rule of law.
Extending solidarity and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, MBC strongly voiced against violence.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and stand in solidarity with them during this time of immense sorrow. We pray that God will grant them strength, comfort, and peace. We further urge all communities and stakeholders to reject violence, uphold the dignity of every human life, and work together for justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace,” added the release issued by Rev. Dr. Jolly Rimai, General Secretary, MBC and Rev. A. Lungsim Khumba, President, MBC.
The CBCNEI also condemn the crime in the strongest possible terms and expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, loved ones, churches, and communities affected by the tragedy.
“As followers of Christ, we affirm that every human being is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity and worth. The taking of innocent lives, regardless of the circumstances or the parties involved, is a grave violation of God’s gift of life and an affront to the values of justice, peace, and human brotherhood.
“We grieve alongside them and pray that God’s comforting presence will sustain them through this painful time.
Appealing against violence and calling for restraint, the CBCNEI stated, “We are mindful that this incident has generated anguish, apprehension and anger among the people of Manipur, and even beyond. Therefore, we appeal to all individuals, groups, and communities involved in or affected by the ongoing conflict to kindly exercise restraint and refrain from words or actions that may further inflame tensions. Violence can never be the solution to violence, nor can it heal the wounds caused by it. As Christians, may we be reminded that justice can be pursued without abandoning the path of peace.”
Also demanding justice, it called upon the Central Government and the concerned State Government to conduct an impartial, thorough, and expeditious investigation into the incident and to ensure that all those responsible are immediately brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“The pursuit of truth and justice is essential not only for the affected families but also for the preservation of public trust and lasting peace. In these challenging days, we urge our churches to remember the bereaved families in prayer and to dedicate themselves to be agents of peace, righteousness, and hope in their communities and throughout our region. We pray that God will guide all concerned toward justice, peace, and mutual understanding,” it added. The release, for and on behalf of the Council, was signed by Rev Dr. Lima Jamir President, CBCNEI and Rev Dr Namsen G R Marak, Secretary General, CBCNEI.
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Meanwhile, the BWA, the APBF, and the NCBCI also expressed profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, churches, and communities affected by the tragedy.
“We affirm the sacred value of every human life, created in the image of God. The taking of innocent lives is a grave violation of human dignity and an affront to the values of justice, peace, and compassion that we uphold as followers of Jesus Christ.
Demanding prompt action, accountability, and justice by the authorities concerned, the organisations said: “We strongly condemn this unjust act of violence and call upon the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and all relevant authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation.
“Those responsible must be identified and held accountable through due process of law. Justice is essential not only for the affected families but also for the restoration of trust and the pursuit of lasting peace.”
Condoling the victims’ families, they said, “To the families who are grieving, we mourn with you and pray that God’s comfort and strength will sustain you during this time of profound loss.”
They also called upon those responsible for the violence to repent and reject the path of violence.
“We call you to reject the path of violence and embrace the path of truth, repentance, and justice. Lasting peace can never be built through fear or the taking of innocent lives.”
They further stated: “To those who have demonstrated Christian compassion, courage, and goodwill in these difficult days, we thank you for your leadership and acts of reconciliation. Your witness offers hope to communities longing for peace.
“To all who feel the anguish and sorrow arising from this tragedy, we urge restraint and reject every call to retaliation. As Scripture teaches, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). The most faithful response to this injustice is a commitment to truth, justice, legal accountability, and reconciliation.
“We stand in prayerful solidarity with all those affected by the ongoing conflict in Manipur and pray for healing, justice, and a just and lasting peace for all communities.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9).
The release by the BWA was issued by Rev. Dr. Elijah Brown, General Secretary & CEO, BWA, Dr. Bijoy A. Sangma, Chair, BWA Commission on Human Rights, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation, Rev. Dr. Vesekhoyi Tetseo [Vee], General Secretary, APBF, Rev. Dr. A.K Lama, Chair, APBF, Rev. Samaresh Nayak, General Secretary, NCBCI, Rev. Dr. Akheto Sema, President, NCBCI.
