Break the Cycle of Violence and Pursue Peace

 NCCI urges communities to overcome hatred and conflicts; demands Governments to own up responsibility to maintain law and order while ensuring peace with human security

Daily killings and atrocities are crimes against humanity and grave violations of Christian teaching that affirms life as a sacred gift from God. The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) expresses deep anguish over the continuing cycle of violence and attacks on the Kuki and Naga communities in Manipur following the deadly ambush on three Thadou pastors on 13 May 2026 and the subsequent discovery on 10 June 2026 of six Liangmai Naga men who had been held hostage, killed and dismembered. The prolonged delay in delivering justice for these killings has deepened grievances and allegedly contributed to continuing violence, killings, retaliation, and suffering among civilians, including vulnerable women and children on both sides.

While welcoming the Government’s efforts to initiate dialogue with community leaders and CSOs, NCCI urges the Government, security forces, and law-enforcement agencies to expedite investigations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice at the earliest possible time. Impartial and timely justice and security are essential for restoring public trust in democratic institutions and the rule of law.

NCCI strongly appeals to both the Naga and Kuki communities to immediately cease the violence and retaliation and come together for mutual dialogue. Continued violence will only deepen wounds and pain that will affect generations. As predominantly Christian communities sharing a common faith and a call to follow Jesus Christ, we urge both communities to return to the discussion table and demonstrate values of peace over violence, justice over revenge, and reconciliation over division.

While recognising the complexities involved and acknowledging the plurality of contexts, NCCI still urges church and community leaders, the Government, all concerned authorities, and the public to work collectively to end the violence and restore peace, justice, security, and normalcy in Manipur.

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) represents the faith articulation of 19 million people of nationally networked, historical and traditional, mainline Protestant and Orthodox churches in India. NCCI calls upon all its member churches and the Christian community as a whole and across the country, to earnestly pray for Peace to return to Manipur, and for goodwill to prevail amongst people of all tongues and every tribe.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI