GUWAHATI, May 17: Four major Baptist Christian organisations, including the global Baptist World Alliance, have jointly appealed to the United Naga Council and Kuki Inpi Manipur for the “immediate, safe and unconditional release” of hostages amid continuing tensions in Manipur.
In a strongly worded statement, the Baptist World Alliance, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India and Manipur Baptist Convention expressed deep concern over the “continued captivity of innocent persons,” saying it had intensified fear, mistrust and suffering in society.
The appeal comes amid rising anxiety in Manipur following reports of abductions linked to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
Calling for compassion and reconciliation, the church bodies said the crisis was not only causing anguish to affected families but was also “wounding the collective Christian witness in the land.”
“As believers in Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, to show mercy, and to overcome bitterness and violence through grace and forgiveness,” the statement said, urging all those involved to act with “wisdom, restraint and compassion.”
The organisations appealed for the hostages to be released safely and without harm “at the earliest opportunity.”
The statement also urged communities and leaders across Manipur to reject violence, retaliation and hatred, and instead work towards healing, communal harmony and restoration of normalcy.
Describing the ongoing crisis as a defining moral moment, the signatories said an act of mercy and goodwill could become “a powerful testimony of faith, courage and commitment to peace.”
The appeal was signed by Elijah Brown and Bijoy A. Sangma of the Baptist World Alliance, Vesekhoyi Tetseo of the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, Namseng R. Marak of the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, and Jolly Rimai of the Manipur Baptist Convention.
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