A Solidarity Statement of the Commission on Youth –
National Council of Churches in India (NCCI)
Today, the voices of India’s students and youth are echoing across every corner of the nation. What began as a demand for an educational and examination system that is honest, transparent, fair, and accountable has grown into a wider call for justice, integrity, and equal opportunity. At the heart of this movement is a generation yearning for a just system, institutions that inspire public trust, and equal opportunities for every student to learn, flourish, and pursue their aspirations. Their concerns reflect deep disappointment with systemic failures and a longing for a nation where fairness, accountability, and hope remain the foundation of public life. This is a call to the conscience of our nation that deserves to be heard with sincerity and responsibility.
It is deeply concerning that peaceful democratic protests have, in many instances, been met with force instead of dialogue. Reports of lathi charges, tear gas, and other coercive measures against students and concerned citizens are distressing, particularly in a nation that takes pride in being one of the world’s largest democracies and is founded on constitutional values. Peaceful protest is not a threat to democracy—it is one of its greatest strengths. Responding to the aspirations of young people with confrontation rather than meaningful engagement risks eroding public trust and weakening our democratic spirit. The courage to listen, engage in dialogue, uphold justice, and exercise restraint must prevail over intimidation and the suppression of legitimate voices.
The Commission on Youth of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) stands in prayerful solidarity with every student and young person whose hopes have been shaken by systems that have failed to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity. We recognize the courage of those who continue to raise their voices peacefully in pursuit of truth and accountability, and we remember with sorrow all those whose lives have been affected by this crisis. These protests should not be mistaken for a sudden awakening. Across generations, young people have never been silent spectators. Whenever systems have failed—in education, employment, or democratic life—they have stood up with courage and conviction. The pursuit of fairness, equal opportunity, and accountability has always been central to youth movements in India.
We urge the Government and all concerned authorities to address their legitimate demands and concerns with sincerity, urgency, and transparency, to safeguard the rights of students and youth across the country, both at present and in the future, and to restore public confidence through accountable governance. We also commend the utmost restraint shown by students, youth, and concerned citizens in upholding the principles of peace, non-violence, and democratic engagement. The strength of our democracy lies not in silencing dissent but in listening with wisdom and safeguarding the dignity and rights of every person.
A nation that calls its youth to study hard, dream big, and contribute to society must also honour its responsibility to protect their rights, listen to their concerns, and ensure they are never subjected to unfair treatment for standing up for justice. As an ecumenical fellowship, we believe the Church is called to stand wherever human dignity is threatened and justice is denied. We therefore invite churches, faith communities, youth organizations, civil society, and all people of goodwill to join in prayer and faithful action for a nation where truth is honoured, justice is upheld, and every young person can live, learn, and dream with hope. In this defining moment, may we choose truth over silence, hope over despair. The Scriptures remind us, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” (Isaiah 1:17), and “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” (Amos 5:24).
May our nation shine with justice, hope, and dignity for all.
Mihika M Bhore
Chairperson – Commission on Youth, NCCI
Smirti Priyansha
Executive Secretary – Commission on Youth, NCCI
Bevei Konah Simeon
Programme Executive – Commission on Youth, NCCI
Ecumenical news
Ecumenism As Encounter : School of Ecumenism 2026
News from NCCIWhen young people, hailing from different regions, churches, histories, and hopes, converged in one place, ecumenism ceased to be an idea and became an encounter. The NCCI Commission on Youth organised the School of Ecumenism from 12th to 16th August 2026, bringing together 35 young people representing NCCI constituents from Assam, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu & Telangana. The five-day programme provided a space for young people to engage with the meaning and practice of ecumenism through reflection, dialogue, worship, cultural exchange, and exposure to various diversities.
Its commencement with the observance of International Youth Day, bringing young people and youth leaders into conversation around the theme Different Contexts, Common Aspirations brought resource persons from diverse faith traditions and professional backgrounds, encouraging participants to reflect critically on their responsibilities as young people and as members of a pluralistic society.
Across the five-day programme, participants were encouraged to learn, unlearn, and relearn, deepening their understanding of ecumenism while engaging with the rich plurality of faiths, traditions, and practices that shape India’s diverse social and religious landscape. Through interactive sessions and critical discussions, participants engaged with the theological foundations, historical development, contemporary expressions, and emerging challenges of ecumenism, fostering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the ecumenical movement. The programme sought to move beyond understanding ecumenism solely as an institutional or organisational concern and presented it as a lived shared-commitment to unity, justice, dialogue, and mutual respect.
School of Ecumenism intentionally created space for transgender persons, persons with disabilities, and people across generations, to highlight the importance of creating communities in which diversity is recognised, respected, and meaningfully included. Learning extended beyond the classroom through immersive visits and meaningful dialogues with multi-faith communities and social movements, enabling participants to engage with diverse perspectives, lived realities, and collective struggles for justice.
Yet the deepest learning was perhaps found in the spaces between people. Strangers slowly became companions; difference became dialogue; dialogue ripened into friendship. What began as a gathering of diverse individuals ended as a community carrying a shared ecumenical consciousness. They came as strangers but left as friends, and most significantly, as ambassadors of ecumenism.
The third School of Ecumenism, a significant annual event of the NCCI Commission on Youth, thus provided a meaningful platform for young people to embody, embrace and advance the spirit of ecumenism in their churches and communities.
The team of interns and volunteers, Ms. Lina Zhimo, Mr. Methuselah Riahmei, Mr. Emmanuel Joel, and Ms. Irene David, provided assistance, while Mr. Bevei Simeon Konha, Program Executive – COY, facilitated the programme. Ms. Smriti Priyansha, Executive Secretary – COY, coordinated the overall programme. Their collective efforts ensured the programme’s smooth and effective execution.
Smriti Priyansha
Executive Secretary – Commission on Youth
Turning Young @ 80
StatementsThe awakening among the young people everywhere as we observe the 80th anniversary of the Indian Independence Day is a welcome change to the political scenario of our times where 52% of our parliamentarians are above 55 years of age, while 86.7 % of the Indian population is below the 55 age mark. The non-partisan political awakening of young India is a breath of new life into a context of polity and governance which until now is in the domain of the parties with aging and tired leadership.
The call of young India to a transparent and accountable regime in every sphere and walk of life has provided the dream and energy to the idea of ‘sovereign-citizen’ vis-a-vis persons paid from taxes for public service both in the executive and in legislatures. Turning this right side up will go a long way in establishing peoples’ democracy at all levels be it representative as in the case of state legislatures and national parliament or participatory as in the case of gram sabhas under the Panchayati Raj system.
Communalisation of governance, criminalisation of secularism, conscious attempts to set narratives that divide, cultivating mobocracy, conniving with forces of profit- oriented market, control over ‘freedom’ of thought, word and deed, commodification of societal values, commercialisation of development goals have sadly discredited claims to be a vibrant democracy even after eighty years of experimenting together.
The right to a Viksit Bharat, already long overdue and deliberately delayed, pushed to a future date another two decades from now @2047 leaves much to be desired. Reducing Viksit Bharat, a slogan of concurrent human right, to a campaign for political gain is symbolic of a power oriented hegemony to a people oriented governance.
The movement around the demand for immediate roll out of the Women Reservation and delinking it from links to any other piece of legislation present or past, the differentiated rights available and required for peoples of different minority communities questioning the move to bring in a Uniform Civil Code for the whole country, the affirmation of freedom to practice a religion of ones choice without being economically penalised affecting a section of only those seeking to embrace Christianity and Islam, attempts to resist delisting of peoples of tribal/ adivasis based on the religion that they seek to practice, are all pointers toward healthy attempts to challenge the homogenisation of a naturally diverse and cohesive socio-cultural, economic and historical demography of the country.
In this the eightieth year of our independence let us rise as the ‘oak’ that symbolises the year- strong and standing tall, shoulder to shoulder with every citizen, claiming for ourselves and coming into our own- just as young India shows the way.
The National Council of Churches in India representing the faith and missional aspirations of 19 million Christians of the Protestant and Orthodox Christian heritages prays God’s blessings on the nation and our leaders, pledging for realisation of a viksit bharat that is relevant for all – here and now.
God bless India ! Long live India !
Jai Hind !
Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
NCCI welcomes the move of Government of India to refer FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 to a JPC as requested
News from NCCIThe National Council of Churches in India welcomes the move of the Home Minister Shri Amit Shah to refer the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. On behalf of the historic and nationally networked Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India representing the religious and mission aspirations of 19 million Christians we thank the Honourable Home Minister and the Government of India for heeding to the request of the Christian Community.
We thank the leadership and functionaries of all political parties who also advised the government in this regard. We look forward to engage with the JPC as they prepare the report for the Winter sesssion.
We are grateful to the leadership of the Churches in India, and to all the faithful, for their constant prayer support. We thank the members of the civil society for their support and encouragement, and for the recognition of the selfless service of the christian community and church run institutions.
Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI
Church Leaders brief Union Home Minister on concerns relating to FCRA Amendment Bill 2026
General news, News from NCCIA delegation of Leaders of Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic Churches (in the fellowship of the CBCI, NCCI and EFI) and Leaders of leading Christian Missions met the Union Home Minister Shri. Amit Shah in Parliament House yesterday evening (6th August 2026). The meeting lasted for an hour. Top officials of the MHA were also present.
The delegation made it’s demand that the bill NOT BE PASSED without addressing the concerns relating to deemed cessation, prescribed use of assets ‘seized’ by the vesting authority, violation of rights enshrined in the Constitution including relating to setting up and managing institutions by religious minorities, introduction of administrative and judicial processes affirming principle of natural justice, and those that perpetuate from the 2010 Act particularly that a mere FIR on a trustee can lead to cancellation of the registration.
Alternately, the leaders also placed on record the demand that the Bill introduced as early as March 2026 BE REFERRED TO A COMPETENT BODY under the Constitution that will take into consideration concerns of all rights holders, duty bearers and stakeholders, including that of the Government’s alleged objective ‘to enhance transparency and accountability of public funds received through overseas funding with conditions and for specific purposes’, before being taken up for discussion in the Parliament. The leaders opined that this will affirm the stand of the Union Government that the bill is not against any one community nor has a hidden agenda of abrogation of properties and take over of management of institutions owned/ run by minority communities.
Despite an initial hesitation that the Christian community’s concerns were unfounded and based on the community’s misconception that the act was only against the Christian community, Honourable Home Minister subsequently understood that the concerns were real and listened to the apprehensions and anxieties of the leaders over the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 with keen interest and a seemingly open mind.
The Home Minister, stressing that the proposed bill is ‘religion-neutral’, assured the delegation that the demands of the Christian community will be taken into consideration, and if required and appropriately advised the Union Government will have no hesitation to even amend the 2010 Act as desired.
On being appraised that there were instances of cancellations of the FCRA registrations without following due processes of serving notice or prior hearing, the Honourable Home Minister directed that they be brought to his notice at once for redressal.
The National Council of Churches in India is grateful to the Honourable Home Minister, Government of India, for the opportunity to brief him on the demands of the community. The meeting echoed the sentiments of the supreme leadership of the NCCI Member Churches expressed in the Heads of Churches Conclave that was held in Bengaluru on 4th August 2026, ahead of the Home Minister’s meeting yesterday.
HG Dr. Yuhannon Mar Demetrios, Metropolitan of the Delhi Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church also representing the President and the Vice Presidents of the NCCI, Rt. Rev. Dr. A. Joshuva Peter, Executive Secretary, United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India and Treasurer NCCI, Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary NCCI, Most Rev. Dr. Ruben Mark, Moderator of the Church of South India, Adv. Fernandis Rethinaraja General Secretary CSI, Rev. Dr. Ajit Kumar General Secretary Church of North India, Rt. Rev. Paul Swarup, Bishop CNI Diocese of Delhi also representing the Moderator CNI, Rt. Rev. Zacharias Mar Aprem Episcopa, Bishop of the Diocese of Delhi of the Marthoma Syrian Church also representing it’s Metropolitan, Adv. Malthyus D Sangma, Peace and Justice Secretary of the Council of Baptist Churches of the North East India represented the 19 million Christians of the NCCI constituency in the 17-member delegation to the Home Minister.
Shri P Wilson Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha, Chair of the Joint Action Forum on Minorities, and Convenor of the forum Shri John Samuel, Former Post Master General, coordinated the meeting and facilitated the discussion with the Home Minister on behalf of the Christian communities cutting across all regions, denominations and sectors of Christian social engagement.
Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI.
Heads of NCCI Member Churches hold URGENT CONSULTATION ahead of important meeting with Union Government
News from NCCIHeads of Member Churches of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) met in Bengaluru on Tuesday 4th August 2026 ahead of an important meeting with the Government of India. His Grace Geevarghese Mar Yulios, President of the National Council of Churches in India presided over the meeting, supported by the NCCI Office bearers.
Leaders representing 19 million christians adhering to 32 historical and traditional christian lineage of the Protestant and Orthodox christian heritages discussed the implications of the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 that is before the Parliament for discussion and decision. That the Amendment is seemingly violative of the Rights of Minorities enshrined in the Constitution of India; and that the Bill is seeking to amend a law that is already problematic with regard to what is laid down and interpreted as ‘violation’ both in letter and spirit, as well as how it is interpreted and implemented arbitrarily, was noted. The leaders took serious note of the narrative that the registrations under FCRA are cancelled on account of foreign money being used for ‘conversion’ and activities affecting national security, and that Christians are agents of foreign countries to destabilise the nation,
The possibility of misuse by the Executive to divest properties inherited and owned by christian institutions with history and emotion, lack of administrative and judicial processes for review of acts of omission and commission, the idea of deemed cessation, the functions of the vesting authority vis-a-vis the vested properties, were highlighted as those which are problematic with the proposed amendment. That the proposed amendment is silent on whether it will come into effect retrospectively was also noted. Leaders emphasised that the work of Jesus the Christ will be continued as the Churches Mission of Compassion to the majority in the country whether ‘money received through global sharing’ is accessible or not. They also affirmed that the mission of the Church in achieving positive indicators on health, nutrition, education, poverty alleviation and eradication of hunger will continue unabated until the Country achieves its SDG targets and ALL people are well on their way to achieving the Country’s Gross National Happiness.
Matters relating to the undesirability of the Uniform Civil Code, the structural Violations relating to the practice of the Freedom of Religion and Belief including the longstanding appeal to make the 1950 Presidential order religion-neutral, Attacks on Christians and Churches, the issues of ones faith and belief contradicting the mandatory singing of the full version of the National Song albeit in certain occasions, concerns relating to the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan 2025, affirmation of the immediate implementation of the Women Reservation Bill, the call of Youth of this country for transparent and accountable public governance and the unnecessary call in some quarters for a National Welfare Board for Christians, were also discussed. Suitable directions were suggested and the Secretariat was mandated for necessary and timely follow up
Supreme Heads, their representatives, and Leaders of the Church of North India, the Church of South India, the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, the Methodist Church in India, the Salvation Army, the Hindustani Covenant Church, the Malabar Independent Syrian Church, the Chaldean Syrian Church of the East, the Arcot Lutheran Church, the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church, the South Andhra Lutheran Church, the Mennonite Church in India, the Good Samaritan Evangelical Lutheran Church, the India Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Jeypore Evangelical Lutheran Church, the National Organisation of the New Apostolic Church, the Believers Eastern Church, and the Evangelical Church in India, among others, participated in the Conclave.
The Presbyterian Church in India, the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, and the Baptist Church in Mizoram was represented through the presence of the North East India Christian Council. Leaders of NCCI Member Organisations located in Bengaluru were also present along with leaders from the Karnataka Council of Churches, the regional body of the NCCI. The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) were represented in the meeting through its Deputy Secretary General and President respectively. The Bangalore Regional Conference of the Methodist Church in India hosted the meeting. Staff the NCCI National Office and Secretariat ably supported the meeting.
Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary NCCI
Public safety must never come at the cost of lifelong disability
AppealNCCI-IDEA Appeals for disability- sensitive policing and review of disability –producing crowd-control weapons
What happened on July 20th 2026 protest, Crowd-Control Measures, and Disability Concerns
The “Sansad Chalo” protest in New Delhi on 20 July 2026 saw large mobilisation and confrontation near Parliament. According to The Hindu, police used barriers, detentions, pellet-firing devices, and electric-shock batons to disperse crowds. The operation reportedly led to injuries among protesters and some police personnel, with concerns over eye injuries, neurological harm, and possible permanent disability. Following the incident, disability-rights organisations raised strong concerns and called for a nationwide ban on pellet guns and electric-shock batons, stating that these cannot be considered “less-lethal” due to their potential to cause blindness and irreversible disability.
Judicial Scrutiny and Civil Society Concerns
The events of 20th July 2026 are under judicial consideration, with the Delhi High Court directing preservation of CCTV footage and related evidence, and the Supreme Court of India examining connected petitions. The matter remains sub-judice, and questions of legality and responsibility are yet to be decided. Civil society and disability-rights groups, as reported in The Hindu, have called for a transparent, independent, time-bound investigation into the use of force. They stress that accountability discourse must include the disability-producing impact of crowd-control weapons.
Appeal for Disability Safe Policing
The Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment program of the National Council of Churches in India urges Government of India to review and abandon use of pellet guns, electric-shock batons, and other crowd-control tools that may cause irreversible disability. And call for disability-inclusive policing reforms, including accessible warnings, safer de-escalation methods, improved training, and independent monitoring. Persons with disabilities face higher risks during dispersal and may be unable to respond quickly to warnings. NCCI–IDEA affirms that public safety and human dignity must be protected together, in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
Rev Ribin John,
Executive Secretary,
Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment
National Council of Churches in India
Mr Nelson Nazarit Nag
Program Executive,
Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment
National Council of Churches in India
A Call to the Conscience of Our Nation: Standing with India’s Students and Youth
Appeal, News from NCCIA Solidarity Statement of the Commission on Youth –
National Council of Churches in India (NCCI)
Today, the voices of India’s students and youth are echoing across every corner of the nation. What began as a demand for an educational and examination system that is honest, transparent, fair, and accountable has grown into a wider call for justice, integrity, and equal opportunity. At the heart of this movement is a generation yearning for a just system, institutions that inspire public trust, and equal opportunities for every student to learn, flourish, and pursue their aspirations. Their concerns reflect deep disappointment with systemic failures and a longing for a nation where fairness, accountability, and hope remain the foundation of public life. This is a call to the conscience of our nation that deserves to be heard with sincerity and responsibility.
It is deeply concerning that peaceful democratic protests have, in many instances, been met with force instead of dialogue. Reports of lathi charges, tear gas, and other coercive measures against students and concerned citizens are distressing, particularly in a nation that takes pride in being one of the world’s largest democracies and is founded on constitutional values. Peaceful protest is not a threat to democracy—it is one of its greatest strengths. Responding to the aspirations of young people with confrontation rather than meaningful engagement risks eroding public trust and weakening our democratic spirit. The courage to listen, engage in dialogue, uphold justice, and exercise restraint must prevail over intimidation and the suppression of legitimate voices.
The Commission on Youth of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) stands in prayerful solidarity with every student and young person whose hopes have been shaken by systems that have failed to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity. We recognize the courage of those who continue to raise their voices peacefully in pursuit of truth and accountability, and we remember with sorrow all those whose lives have been affected by this crisis. These protests should not be mistaken for a sudden awakening. Across generations, young people have never been silent spectators. Whenever systems have failed—in education, employment, or democratic life—they have stood up with courage and conviction. The pursuit of fairness, equal opportunity, and accountability has always been central to youth movements in India.
We urge the Government and all concerned authorities to address their legitimate demands and concerns with sincerity, urgency, and transparency, to safeguard the rights of students and youth across the country, both at present and in the future, and to restore public confidence through accountable governance. We also commend the utmost restraint shown by students, youth, and concerned citizens in upholding the principles of peace, non-violence, and democratic engagement. The strength of our democracy lies not in silencing dissent but in listening with wisdom and safeguarding the dignity and rights of every person.
A nation that calls its youth to study hard, dream big, and contribute to society must also honour its responsibility to protect their rights, listen to their concerns, and ensure they are never subjected to unfair treatment for standing up for justice. As an ecumenical fellowship, we believe the Church is called to stand wherever human dignity is threatened and justice is denied. We therefore invite churches, faith communities, youth organizations, civil society, and all people of goodwill to join in prayer and faithful action for a nation where truth is honoured, justice is upheld, and every young person can live, learn, and dream with hope. In this defining moment, may we choose truth over silence, hope over despair. The Scriptures remind us, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” (Isaiah 1:17), and “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” (Amos 5:24).
May our nation shine with justice, hope, and dignity for all.
Mihika M Bhore
Chairperson – Commission on Youth, NCCI
Smirti Priyansha
Executive Secretary – Commission on Youth, NCCI
Bevei Konah Simeon
Programme Executive – Commission on Youth, NCCI
A TRIBUTE TO REV DR. B. MOHAN LARBEER
News from NCCIThe National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) joins the Church, theological institutions, ecumenical partners, and countless friends in mourning the passing of Rev Dr. B. Mohan Larbeer, an eminent theologian, visionary educator, committed ecumenist, and tireless advocate for justice and human dignity.
Rev Dr. Larbeer’s life was a remarkable testimony to the inseparable relationship between faith and social responsibility. Throughout his ministry and academic leadership, he consistently demonstrated that theology must emerge from the lived realities of people, especially those who experience marginalisation, oppression, and poverty. His theological vision was deeply rooted in the struggles and aspirations of the vulnerable, making him a prophetic voice in both Church and society.
As Principal of Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary, Madurai,he inspired generations of students to understand theological education not merely as an academic pursuit but as a transformative journey of discipleship, justice, and service. Under his leadership, theological formation was closely connected to the concerns of ordinary people, equipping future ministers to engage courageously with issues of human dignity, liberation, and social transformation.
Rev Dr. Larbeer’s contribution extended to the wider ecumenical theological community through his service as Secretary of the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College (BTESSC). In this significant national role, he helped shape theological education across India and South Asia by promoting academic excellence, ecumenical cooperation, contextual theological reflection, and ministerial formation.
The ecumenical movement in India has lost a distinguished leader whose life reflected the values of inclusion, compassion, and prophetic witness. Yet, his legacy continues through the countless students he mentored, the communities he served, and the theological vision he bequeathed to the Church.
As we give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Rev Dr. B. Mohan Larbeer, we pray that his witness will continue to inspire churches, theological institutions, and future generations to pursue a faith that stands with the oppressed, protects human dignity, and bears faithful witness to the liberating love of Christ.
The National Council of Churches in India extends its heartfelt condolences to Rev Dr Margret Kalaiselvi and Ms Manju, the bereaved family members, colleagues, former students, and all whose lives were touched by his ministry.
May the soul of Rev Dr. B. Mohan Larbeer rest in God’s eternal peace, and may his memory remain a blessing to the Church and society.
Rev Dr Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
NCCI Mourns and Strongly Condemns the Tragic Loss of Six Naga Hostages in Manipur
AppealThe National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) expresses its deep shock, grief, and sorrow over the killing of six Naga civilians—among them two pastors and four other civilians—who were abducted on 13 May 2026 from Leilon Vaiphei, Kangpokpi. The recovery of their mortal remains on 10 June 2026 allegedly in a mutilated and brutal condition is deeply distressing and strongly condemned.
Despite numerous appeals by church bodies, organizations, and concerned individuals for their safe release, this tragic and inhumane act has brought immense pain and grief to the bereaved families, the Christian community, and all peace-loving people across the country.
NCCI strongly condemns this senseless act of violence, which constitutes a grave violation of human rights, human dignity, justice, and peace. Such a heinous crime has no place in any civilized society, particularly in a predominantly Christian region where the values of compassion, respect for life, and reconciliation are urgently needed. NCCI reaffirms the sanctity of human life and calls upon all people to uphold and respect the dignity and rights of every person.
NCCI urges the Government and the concerned security and law enforcement authorities to take full responsibility for conducting a thorough and swift investigation into this horrific crime and to ensure that the perpetrators responsible are identified and brought to justice at the earliest, in accordance with the law of the land.
We further appeal to all stakeholders, community leaders, civil society organizations, and churches to exercise utmost restraint and work together towards peace, mutual respect, forgiveness, and reconciliation, remembering our common calling in Christ.
At this difficult time, NCCI extends its heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved families, the victims’ church congregations, and all affected communities. We stand in solidarity with them and pray for God’s strength, hope, justice, and healing. NCCI remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and harmonious relationships among all communities and will continue to advocate for dialogue, reconciliation, and the protection of human life and dignity.
Prayers and Condolences
Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI
NCCI Appreciates the Safe Release of 14 Kuki Hostages and Appeals for Securing the Immediate Release of the Remaining Six Naga Hostages
AppealThe National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) deeply appreciates the goodwill of the United Naga Council (UNC) for facilitating the safe release of 14 Kuki hostages on 9 June 2026. This humanitarian gesture, carried out in the spirit of upholding ethics in conflict times, adherence to International Human Rights standards and protocols, trust in the assurance of the Union Government, and in response to the call and peace initiatives of the Churches is highly commendable and welcomed by all peace-loving communities across the country. It will surely pave the way for hope, peace, reconciliation, and mutual trust among the communities in the region.
In the same spirit, NCCI strongly appeals to Kuki civil society organizations to facilitate the immediate and safe release of the remaining six Naga hostages, including two pastors and four civilians. The lives and dignity of innocent civilians must be protected at all costs.
The NCCI urges the Union and State Governments to step up initiatives to secure the immediate and safe release of the six Naga hostages, and help reunite them with their families. The NCCI also demands a clear roadmap with a specific timeline from the Union and State Governments on taking responsibility to bring back peace and normalcy to the state of Manipur.
At this critical moment, a moment when truth, compassion, justice, and respect for human life must prevail over violence, fear, and division, NCCI reiterates its commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of all suffering families and communities, regardless of their identity or background.
The Council calls upon all concerned authorities, the Government, and all stakeholders to uphold the constitutional principles of law and justice, foster dialogue, and work collectively towards healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace in the state. NCCI also calls upon churches and people of goodwill to continue praying for the safe release of the remaining hostages, their families, and for peace in the region.
The NCCI is the national ecumenical expression of nationally networked historical, traditional and mainline Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India.
Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI