SHILLONG, May 15: The Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian (KJP) Synod Pdeng and the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) on Friday strongly condemned the killing of three church leaders in Manipur, and termed the incident a brutal attack on peace, humanity and religious leadership.
In a statement issued here, KJCLF secretary Rev Edwin H Kharkongor, in solidarity with several Christian forums, churches, conferences and councils across India, condemned the perpetrators of murders, kidnappings, hostage-taking and other heinous crimes committed against innocent people and those striving for peace among communities in Manipur.
The KJCLF secretary stated that the tragic incidents highlighted the strong desire of citizens across the country for peace and harmony.
The forum also pointed to the united stand taken by Christian bodies, including the National Christian Council in India, Catholic Bishops Conference in India and Evangelical Fellowship of India, in condemning the violence against church leaders and calling for an end to killings, hijackings and kidnappings in Manipur.
According to the KJCLF, condemnation of such acts has come from across religious, political and ethnic lines, reflecting a widespread demand for justice and accountability.
“Regardless of affiliations and persuasions–religious, political, ethnicity or identity–those who committed these crimes must be swiftly brought to book,” the statement said.
The KJCLF also urged the highest offices in the country, including the President and the Prime Minister, to immediately intervene and initiate steps towards healing the fractured communities in Manipur.
The forum also appealed to all conflict groups in the violence-hit state to cease hostilities and allow the process of peace-building to move forward.
While condoling the deaths of the church leaders and other victims, the KJCLF called upon churches and believers to unite in prayer and work collectively to overcome hatred and violence.
“May the sacrifice of the dead be not in vain,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, KJP Synod Pdeng Moderator Rev HK Nongbsap expressed deep shock and grief over the killing of Rev Vumthang Sitlhou, former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Pastor V Kaigoulun and Pastor Paogoulen, who were reportedly killed in an ambush in the violence-hit state.
“We are heartbroken by the killing of innocent lives and especially the ambush that took away the lives of the three pastors in Manipur,” Rev Nongbsap stated.
He said the Synod was “shell-shocked” by the incident and described it as unimaginable that religious leaders working for peace, unity and solidarity were not spared from violence.
“As a Synod, we stand together in condemning such acts. Violence against those who serve God and work for the welfare of humanity is an attack on the human community itself,” the statement said.
Rev Nongbsap also termed the killings an act of cowardice and extended solidarity to the bereaved families and the wider church community.
“In these hours of grief, we stand together with the families of the victims and with the Church community in general. We share your sorrow, pain and suffering,” he added.
Rev Nongbsap further prayed that God would grant strength and comfort to the affected families and guide them through the difficult period.
Stating that no ideology or grievance could justify the killing of innocent lives, the Synod urged people not to succumb to hatred, fear and division.
“We pray that peace and tranquillity will ultimately triumph over violence and evil,” the statement added.
