The Catholic archbishop of Imphal has renewed his call for dialogue and reconciliation among Manipur’s rival ethnic communities after the killings of six Naga civilians, including two Protestant pastors, reignited tensions in the conflict-hit northeastern Indian state.
Archbishop Linus Neli urged the state’s three largest ethnic groups to work toward what he described as a “Manipur Agreement 2026,” a comprehensive and lasting peace settlement aimed at ending years of violence and rebuilding trust among communities, according to a report by Fides News Agency.
In a statement, the prelate expressed “deep regret for the loss of innocent lives and the destruction caused by the more than three-year conflict in the State.”
“No circumstance or justification can justify the killing of an innocent human being,” Neli said.
He reaffirmed the “sanctity of life and human dignity” and condemned attacks on civilians amid the latest outbreak of violence.
“Deliberate attacks on civilians violate both moral principles and universally recognized human values,” he said.
The appeal came as hopes of easing tensions between Naga and Kuki communities were shattered by the discovery of six bodies belonging to Naga civilians abducted in May.
Security forces recovered the bodies on June 10. Among the victims were Reverend Manu Thiumai, a respected Baptist church leader, and Pastor Kenpibou, another local Baptist pastor.
Local sources cited by Fides said the killings were carried out in retaliation for the deaths of three Kuki Baptist pastors reported in May.
The killings followed a hostage crisis involving the abduction of civilians by rival Kuki and Naga groups. The release of 14 Kuki hostages had raised hopes of a breakthrough, but the discovery of the bodies reignited public anger and renewed calls for justice.
The United Naga Council responded with protests, demonstrations, and road blockades, while the Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights condemned the killings as “extremely brutal,” a “crime against humanity,” and a “barbaric act.”
Naga leaders have also rejected ceasefire arrangements involving a Kuki militant group and called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killings.
Against that backdrop, Neli appealed for restraint and an end to the cycle of retaliation.
“We call for an end to reprisals and revenge. We call for forgiveness, reparations, and the search for truth—essential elements for rebuilding trust among communities,” he said.
The archbishop said peace would require sustained engagement among communities and the support of institutions capable of mediation.
“Lasting peace can only emerge through a continuous dialogue between communities, supported by both traditional institutions and civil society groups and organizations capable of mediation,” he said.
He also called for “progressive disarmament and the strengthening of cross-border cooperation” to promote economic growth and regional stability.
Neli reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s support for “initiatives that promote healing, responsibility, reconciliation, and peace.”
In recent days, Catholics across Manipur observed a special day of prayer for reconciliation, bringing together believers from different ethnic groups to pray for what organizers described as the “gift of peace.”
The conflict has displaced tens of thousands of people from different communities across Manipur. Government figures cited by Fides show that the number of internally displaced persons had reached about 60,000 as of June 2026.
