Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday, 18 May praised the intervention of church leaders working to defuse ethnic tensions in the state's hill districts, following the killing of three Baptist church leaders in Kangpokpi district on 13 May. The violence has deepened hostilities between the Kuki and Naga communities and triggered a hostage crisis involving more than 40 people.

The Kangpokpi Attack

Unidentified militants opened fire at Zero Point, located between Kotlen and Kotzim villages in Kangpokpi district, on 13 May, killing three church leaders belonging to the Kuki community and injuring four others. The attack sharply escalated tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities across Manipur's hill districts, which have remained volatile for an extended period.

Church Leaders Meet the Chief Minister

A 10-member delegation representing the Council for Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) and the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) met Chief Minister Singh on Monday to discuss the deteriorating situation. Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, a prominent Naga leader, also attended the meeting.

The delegation volunteered to serve as peace facilitators between the two communities, expressing readiness to engage all stakeholders. According to an official from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Singh said he was 'deeply touched by the church leaders meeting him and extending their support in the effort to restore peace and harmony.'

The state government encouraged the church leaders to sustain dialogue with both communities to ease tensions and rebuild public confidence.

Two-Team Peace Outreach Plan

The church leaders will operate through two separate teams as part of their outreach initiative. One team will travel to Kangpokpi district, where it will meet the families of the three slain church leaders to offer condolences and solidarity. The team will then hold discussions with Kuki church leaders in an effort to reduce hostilities and encourage reconciliation.

The second team will visit Senapati district to meet Naga church leaders and representatives of Naga Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to address the tense situation and the ongoing hostage crisis. The church leaders have called for the immediate release of all hostages held by both sides on humanitarian grounds.

The Manipur government has also assured ex gratia assistance to the families of the three deceased church leaders.

Hostage Crisis and Partial Relief

According to a police official, more than 40 people from both the Kuki and Naga communities were being held hostage by various groups in Kangpokpi and Senapati districts in the aftermath of the 13 May attack. However, 30 of those hostages — from both communities — were released on 14 and 15 May following sustained efforts by authorities, community leaders, and Civil Society Organisations.

This comes amid broader concerns over recurring inter-community violence in Manipur's hill districts, where ethnic fault lines have repeatedly flared in recent years. The church-led initiative represents one of the more structured civilian peace efforts to emerge from the current cycle of violence, and its success will depend on whether both sides engage in good faith with the facilitators.