Imphal, May 18: In a significant peace initiative amid escalating tensions between Kuki and Naga groups in Manipur, two teams of senior church leaders will visit Kangpokpi and Senapati districts to help broker peace and secure the release of hostages held by both sides.
The move comes in the aftermath of the killing of three church leaders on May 13 at Zero Point between Kotlen and Kotzim in Kangpokpi district, an incident that has sharply heightened tensions in the region.
A 10-member delegation representing the Council for Baptist Churches in North East India and the Manipur Baptist Convention met Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Monday to discuss the deteriorating situation. Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho was also present during the meeting.
The church leaders volunteered to mediate between the two communities, with the Chief Minister lauding their efforts to restore peace and normalcy.
According to officials, one church delegation will travel to Kangpokpi district to meet the families of the three slain church leaders and convey condolences.
The team will also hold talks with Kuki church leaders in an attempt to ease tensions. The state government has assured ex-gratia assistance to the bereaved families.
The second delegation will visit Senapati district to engage with Naga church leaders and civil society organisations over the prevailing hostage crisis and growing tensions between the communities.
The church leaders stressed that hostages held by both sides should be released immediately on humanitarian grounds.
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