UKHRUL: In the wake of a deadly attack on Christian leaders and civilians in Kangpokpi and subsequent violent incidents in Manipur, various Church and student bodies have condemned these acts and called for peace in the region. The Pochury Students’ Union, the All India Catholic Union, and the United Christian Forum (UCF), while urging the Centre and the State government to take swift measures, have also appealed to the communities for restraint and peaceful coexistence.
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In a press statement, the Pochury Students’ Union strongly condemned the alleged abduction of two innocent religious figures from the Don Bosco Congregation (Salesian Congregation) on the night of May 13, 2026, at around 9:00 PM. Brother Peter Kūvisie Poji, from the Pochury community, and Brother Aching Paul, from the Rongmei community, were abducted while traveling from Don Bosco Imphal to Don Bosco Maram.
“This inhumane and cowardly act against innocent religious individuals, who are dedicated to serving humanity and promoting peace, is utterly condemnable and unacceptable in a civilized society,” the Union stated. They expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of the abducted individuals and denounced any form of violence, intimidation, or unlawful activities against innocent civilians, emphasizing that such acts of criminality will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
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The All India Catholic Union (AICU) also expressed deep grief and serious concern over the brutal killing today of pastors and their companions in Kangpokpi District, Manipur.
“They were not combatants, nor were they armed. They were church leaders, pastors, and servants of their communities. Their murder is an attack not only on individual lives but also on the fragile work of peace in Manipur,” said AICU National President Er. Elias Vaz.
The AICU, while condemning the violence, calls upon the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to conduct an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation. Justice must be visible, credible, and swift.
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Furthermore, the United Christian Forum (UCF), while condemning the killing of the church leaders, urged both the central and state governments to implement concrete measures to address the prolonged unrest that began on May 3, 2023.
They also appealed to the Chief Minister to take necessary steps to release the hostages held by both sides. The UCF urged both communities to reject abduction, hostage-taking, and intimidation along community lines and work towards coexisting peacefully.