Manipur: Kangpokpi church leaders seek early probe into pastors' killings, call for lifting of blockade

Church leaders from across Kangpokpi district under the banner of the Kuki-Zo Christian Forum (KZCF) on July 8 held a prayer service and peace rally, urging the Manipur government to expedite the investigation into the killing of three church pastors and take immediate steps to end the prolonged economic blockade affecting Kuki-Zo areas.

 

The programme began with a prayer service at KBC Centre Church in Kangpokpi, followed by a peaceful rally to National Highway-2, where participants staged a sit-in demonstration before submitting a memorandum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh during his brief stop at Kangpokpi while returning from Senapati.

 

The demonstration focused on the May 13 ambush in Kangpokpi district in which Rev. V. Sitlhou, former chairman of the Kuki-Zo Christian Forum, Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou were killed while travelling.

 

In its memorandum, the Forum urged the government to complete the investigation without delay, identify those responsible and ensure legal action. It also sought justice for all those killed during the recent violence.

 

Addressing the gathering, KZCF chairman Rev. Dr. S. Chongloi said the violence witnessed in Kangpokpi over the past three months began after the killing of the three pastors. He claimed that 14 members of the Kuki-Zo community, including the three church leaders, had lost their lives during the period and that 14 villages had been burnt, leading to large-scale displacement.

 

"The Church has consistently prayed for peace and restraint despite immense suffering. Justice for our slain pastors and innocent civilians cannot be delayed any longer," he said.

 

The memorandum also highlighted the impact of the prolonged economic blockade, stating that restrictions on the movement of food, fuel, medicines and other essential commodities had caused significant hardship for residents. The Forum appealed for the immediate restoration of the supply of essential goods and healthcare services.

 

It further requested the Chief Minister to place its concerns before the State Cabinet and the Union government and seek prompt action on the investigation, relief measures and restoration of normalcy.

 

After receiving the memorandum, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh briefly addressed church leaders and members of the public gathered along the highway.

 

He stressed the importance of reconciliation and said peace was essential for safeguarding the future of younger generations, who were the worst affected by prolonged conflict. He urged religious leaders to encourage young people to reject violence and support peaceful coexistence.

 

The Chief Minister also said the government remained committed to upholding the rule of law and assured that justice would be delivered without discrimination. He emphasised the need to rebuild trust among communities through dialogue and reconciliation to ensure lasting peace and stability in Manipur.

 

The rally concluded with prayers for peace, while the Kuki-Zo Christian Forum reiterated its demands for the early completion of the investigation into the pastors' killings, justice for the victims and the lifting of the economic blockade.