The United Naga Council condemns in the strongest terms the outrageous ambush upon Thadou Baptist Association Church leaders in which 3 were killed and 5 were grievously injured as per available reports. The incident took place between Kotzin and Kotlen while they were returning from Churachandpur. Rev V. Silthou, the former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention was among those killed.
The press release stated “we extend our sincere and deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray that the merciful God will grant them the grace to bear the great loss in this hour of grief.
“In a disturbing turn of event after few hours of this ambush, it has been reported that about 20 Nagas of Konsakhul village have been held hostage by Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village. We are not able to comprehend this action of Leilon Vaiphei which seems to be a response to the very incident cited above which Nagas condemns without any reservation as fellow Christians. Targeting innocent villagers and holding them hostage is unacceptable and violates all norms of civilized society. Such action only deepens wounds and would escalate tensions between communities.
“We appeal to the concerned party to immediately release the hostages unconditionally respecting the right to life and dignity of every individual, irrespective of community.
“We call upon civil society organizations, church leaders and community leaders of all communities to stand together against violence and work together towards restoration of peaceful coexistence and communal harmony” stated the statement issued by H. James Hau, Info & Publicity Secretary, UNC.
