SHILLONG: Condemning the killing of three church leaders in Manipur, the United Democratic Party (UDP), a Meghalaya based political party, today described the incident as a “barbaric act” and demanded immediate action from both the state and Union governments to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a statement, UDP general secretary Titosstar Well Chyne said the party was expressing its “deepest anguish and unequivocal condemnation of the brutal killing of three pastors” — Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, president of TBAI; Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, TBAI finance secretary; and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou.
“This barbaric act is an attack not only on the lives of innocent men of God, but also on the very fabric of humanity, religious freedom, and the constitutional values of India,” the UDP said.
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“Pastors who serve communities with peace, compassion, and selfless dedication should never become targets of violence.”
The party termed the killings “cowardly and inhumane” and said violence against religious leaders could not be defended on any ground.
“We condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and inhumane act. There can be no justification, political, ethnic, or religious, for the murder of unarmed religious leaders,” the statement read.
The UDP pressed for urgent steps by authorities to ensure accountability.
“We demand immediate action from the Government of Manipur and the Union Government to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure swift justice. The rule of law must prevail over lawlessness,” Chyne said.
Extending condolences, the party said, “We stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased pastors, the Church in Manipur, and the Christian community across the Northeast. We share your grief and pray for comfort and strength during this dark hour.”
The UDP appealed to communities in Manipur to maintain calm and work towards reconciliation.
“We appeal for peace and restraint from all communities in Manipur. Violence begets more violence. The cycle must end, and we urge civil society, church bodies, and community leaders to work together to restore trust and harmony,” the party said.
It also urged the National Human Rights Commission for Minorities to intervene.
“We call upon the National Human Rights Commission for Minorities to take suo motu cognisance of this incident and ensure protection of religious minorities and clergy in conflict zones,” the statement said.
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Referring to the Northeast’s history of interfaith coexistence, the UDP said bloodshed aimed at sowing division must be resisted.
“The Northeast has always been a land of diverse faiths living in harmony. Attempts to divide us through bloodshed and fear must be defeated by our collective commitment to peace, justice, and fraternity,” it said.
The party asked the Centre to prioritise the case.
“The UDP urges the Centre to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves. Justice delayed is justice denied,” it said.