Kohima, June 15 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has expressed profound grief and strongly condemned the killing of six Naga civilians who were abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on May 13, calling the incident an assault on human dignity, justice and the sanctity of life.
In a statement, the NBCC said the bodies of the six civilians were recovered on June 10 near Kharam Vaiphei village along the Kangpokpi–Imphal East border after weeks of uncertainty and search efforts.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, the council said the abduction and killing of innocent civilians could never be justified under any circumstance, irrespective of political agendas, ethnic conflicts, territorial claims or historical grievances.
The NBCC described the incident as a barbaric and inhuman act, stating that such violence reflected the depths of human cruelty and violated the Christian belief that every human being is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity.
It said the deliberate killing of innocent civilians was contrary to biblical teachings on justice, mercy, peace and the commandment against murder.
The council also expressed concern over the continuing violence in Manipur, stating that it had brought immense suffering through loss of lives, destruction of homes and displacement of people, while replacing coexistence with fear, hatred and mistrust.
Calling the killing of the six civilians a painful reminder of the urgent need to end the cycle of violence and retaliation, the NBCC said the Church could not remain silent in the face of injustice.
It urged the concerned authorities to conduct a swift, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that all those responsible are identified, prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law, adding that the victims' families deserved truth, accountability and closure.
The council further appealed to all those involved in violence to immediately cease attacks on innocent civilians and urged political leaders, civil society organisations, tribal bodies and religious institutions to reject divisive rhetoric and work towards peace, reconciliation and mutual respect through truth, justice, repentance, forgiveness and dialogue.
The NBCC also called upon churches across the region to pray for the grieving families, minister to those affected by violence and uphold the values of justice, compassion and reconciliation.
NCD condemns
In another separate statement, the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) condemned the abduction, killing and alleged mutilation of six Liangmai Naga civilians from Konsaram village, who were reportedly abducted on May 13 at Leilon Vaiphei village in Manipur.
The council described the incident as an inhumane and barbaric act against innocent villagers and expressed deep anguish over the killings. It alleged that the victims' bodies had been mutilated beyond recognition and termed the crime as "despicable" and "diabolical".
The NCD said such acts should be condemned by all sections of society, asserting that those responsible for such crimes have "no race nor religion."
The council appealed to the Manipur government to ensure the immediate arrest of all those involved in the incident and sought exemplary punishment for the perpetrators, stating that justice should be delivered without delay.
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