NEW DELHI: The Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) on Friday condemned the killing of Thadou pastors and church workers on May 13 and appealed for the safe release of six Naga civilians allegedly abducted in the aftermath of the incident.
In a press statement, the union expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, including Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, and prayed for the recovery of those injured.
The NSUD stated that the pastors and church workers had gathered in Churachandpur for discussions regarding the formation of a proposed United Baptist Convention (UBC), aimed at bringing together the Thadou Baptist Association and other Baptist bodies.
According to the statement, disagreements emerged during the meeting after Kuki churches reportedly insisted that the term “Kuki” be included in the proposed nomenclature of the convention. The union claimed the Kuki churches later withdrew support for the proposed body after the demand was not accepted.
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The Naga union further alleged that the pastors and accompanying civilians came under firing while returning from Churachandpur towards Kangpokpi, leading to the deaths of several people.
Condemning the reported abduction of six Naga men, the NSUD appealed to “the conscience-keepers within the Kuki community” to intervene and ensure their safe release.
The student body also criticised what it described as inflammatory rhetoric and attempts to vilify Nagas on social media amid the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
The NSUD further objected to a proposed protest by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Delhi-NCR on May 16, alleging that the protest sought to shift blame onto Nagas over the killing of the Thadou church leaders.
While affirming support for democratic protest, the union urged KSO Delhi-NCR not to target specific Naga tribes or organisations in its protest materials, posters, or slogans.