A 10-member team of church leaders on Tuesday, 19 May visited Naga-inhabited Senapati district in Manipur, intensifying a peace mission aimed at defusing the ongoing ethnic crisis between the Naga and Kuki tribal communities. The visit came a day after the delegation met Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, and follows the killing of three Baptist church leaders in Kangpokpi district on 13 May — an incident that triggered a hostage crisis involving more than 40 people from both communities.

Key Developments in Senapati

During the Senapati visit, the church leaders met representatives of the United Naga Council, the Naga People's Organisation, and other civil society organisations at the United Naga Council office. Deliberations centred on easing the hostage crisis that erupted in the aftermath of the 13 May killings, in which four others were also injured. The church leaders issued a strong appeal for the unconditional release of hostages from both sides on humanitarian grounds.

What Church Leaders Said

Rev. Dr. Namseng R. Marak, Secretary General of the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, described the moment as deeply difficult for the affected families. 'This was a difficult moment for the affected families,' he said, appealing to all communities to 'exercise restraint, remain patient, and move forward in the spirit of forgiveness and peace.' Marak also cautioned people against rumours and unverified social media posts, urging communities to 'uphold brotherhood and humanity for the restoration of peace in Manipur.'

A.C. Thotso, Member Secretary of the Working Committee of the United Naga Council, confirmed that the Baptist leaders had brought a joint appeal from the Baptist World Alliance, the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, and the Manipur Baptist Convention. He welcomed the peace initiative and said the matter would be placed before the appropriate decision-making bodies, adding that 'peace can prevail only when truth is acknowledged.'

Hostage Situation: Where Things Stand

More than 40 people from the Kuki and Naga communities were held hostage by various groups across Kangpokpi and Senapati districts following the 13 May killings. According to officials, 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. The status of the remaining hostages was not confirmed in official statements.

Government Response and Parallel Outreach

Chief Minister Singh met the church delegation on Monday and, according to officials, appreciated their efforts toward restoring peace and harmony among the state's communities. Separately, another group of church leaders visited the families of the victims in Keithelmanbi and Damdei villages in Kangpokpi district to offer condolences. The 10-member delegation represented the Manipur Baptist Convention, the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, and the Baptist World Alliance.

What Comes Next

The United Naga Council has indicated it will refer the church leaders' appeal to its decision-making bodies, making the timeline for any formal response uncertain. With hostages still reportedly unaccounted for and inter-community tensions unresolved, the success of the peace mission will hinge on whether both the Naga and Kuki sides respond to the humanitarian appeal. Manipur has witnessed prolonged ethnic unrest, and this episode marks one of the more acute flashpoints involving religious leaders as direct targets.