By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 17: Four major Baptist organisations, including the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) and the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF), have jointly appealed to the United Naga Council (UNC) and Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages in Manipur.
In a statement issued Sunday, the organisations—which also include the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) and the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC)—urged the release in the spirit of “Christian love, compassion and reconciliation.”
The groups noted that the continued captivity of innocent persons is causing immense anguish to families, deepening fear and mistrust, and harming the collective Christian witness in the region. They called on all parties to act with restraint and ensure the hostages are returned safely and without harm.
The organisations further appealed to community leaders across Manipur to reject violence, retaliation, and hatred, urging them to work toward healing, communal harmony, and the restoration of peace. The appeal was signed by Rev Dr Elijah Brown and Dr Bijoy A Sangma of the BWA, Rev Dr Vesekhoyi Tetseo of the APBF, Rev Dr Namseng R Marak of the CBCNEI, and Rev Dr Jolly Rimai of the MBC.
