Religious and Peace Leaders in Manipur Urge Immediate Release of Kidnapped Civilians

Manipur, May 22, 2026: Religious leaders, representatives of faith traditions, spiritual groups, and peacebuilding communities in Manipur have jointly appealed for the immediate release of members of the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities who were allegedly abducted on May 13, amid continuing tensions in the violence-hit state.

In a strongly worded statement issued on May 21, the collective urged all groups involved in the kidnappings to “release them immediately for the love of children who deserve to inherit good deeds of saving lives.” The leaders expressed solidarity with the grieving families of slain church leaders as well as with families whose loved ones continue to remain in captivity.

The statement welcomed what it described as “reciprocal humanitarian gestures,” particularly the release of women and children by both sides involved in the conflict, calling them signs of respect for “human rights and dignity.” The group also appreciated recent initiatives of the newly formed state government under Chief Minister Y. Khemchand and Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho for efforts aimed at rebuilding trust and reconnecting divided communities. Security forces engaged in recovering illegal weapons from civilians were likewise commended.

The interfaith collective noted that every community has courageous individuals who resist violence and advocate reconciliation. “Such people are not your enemy to be killed and silenced,” the statement said, while referring to the killings of church leaders in Manipur on May 13. Among those remembered were Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou, whose deaths, the leaders said, have deeply disturbed peace advocates in India and abroad.

Warning against the devastating cycle of ethnic violence, the statement described such conflicts as “a self-regulated autonomous system that works for total destruction,” often spiralling beyond the control of governments and security agencies. The leaders stressed that peace, security, identity, and dignity are inseparable realities that must be protected together through mutual respect and dialogue.

Drawing lessons from global history, the statement referred to the fall of the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the later emergence of the European Union as examples of societies overcoming centuries of hostility through reconciliation and cooperation. The leaders observed that younger generations worldwide are increasingly being formed in non-violent conflict resolution and sustainable leadership.

Calling for an end to violence, kidnappings, and inflammatory social media campaigns, the collective urged all parties to embrace dialogue and reconciliation as the only sustainable path forward. “Dialogue as a non-violent means of resolving conflict has proven far more effective in transforming lives than violence,” the statement noted.

The appeal also called upon the Central and state governments, along with military, paramilitary, and police authorities, to exercise all constitutional means necessary to prevent further bloodshed and to promote inclusive people-to-people peace initiatives across Manipur.

Addressing leaders of indigenous communities and diverse ethnic and religious groups, the statement encouraged them to draw inspiration from nations that overcame historical divisions to build peaceful cooperation. The leaders reiterated that the “inseparability of security, identity and dignity” remains essential for lasting peace in Manipur.

The statement concluded with a heartfelt appeal for sustained and inclusive dialogue among all communities to build a peaceful and harmonious multiethnic society for future generations.

Courtesy: Interfaith Forum Manipur