Church Leaders Intensify Peace Efforts Amid Naga-Kuki Tensions in Manipur

Senapati, May 22, 2026: Church leaders in Manipur have stepped up peacebuilding efforts amid escalating tensions between Naga and Kuki communities following the killing of three prominent pastors and the continuing hostage crisis that has triggered reciprocal blockades across parts of the state.

A ten-member delegation representing the Manipur Baptist Convention, Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, and Baptist World Alliance met leaders of the United Naga Council, the Naga People’s Organisation, and other civil society representatives at the United Naga Council office in Senapati district on May 19.

The intervention follows the ambush and killing of three pastors belonging to the Thadou Baptist Association, an incident that has further inflamed tensions in the conflict-affected state. The violence reportedly led to retaliatory actions and hostage-taking involving members of both Naga and Kuki communities.

According to information shared during the peace initiative, mediators have so far facilitated the release of 14 individuals from each side. However, six Naga persons and fourteen Kuki persons are still believed to be in captivity.

Church leaders, together with community elders, civil society organisations, and local authorities, are now working to open channels of communication between the rival groups and prevent further escalation of violence. The efforts have focused particularly on humanitarian concerns, civilian safety, and restoring dialogue amid growing mistrust.

The crisis has also resulted in blockades imposed by both Naga and Kuki groups, disrupting movement along key routes connecting the hill and valley districts of Manipur. The restrictions have severely affected the transportation of essential commodities and increased pressure on local communities already burdened by prolonged unrest.

Groups enforcing the blockades have maintained that the actions are intended to draw attention to the hostage situation and related security concerns. Meanwhile, several community organisations have continued appealing for negotiations and the safe release of all those still being held.

Church representatives involved in the initiative stressed the urgent need for de-escalation at what many describe as a critical moment in Manipur’s prolonged ethnic conflict. Over the past three years, the state has witnessed repeated tensions and outbreaks of violence among different communities, leaving deep social divisions and humanitarian challenges.

The killing of the pastors has further heightened sensitivities across the region and prompted renewed calls for impartial investigations into the incident. In this volatile atmosphere, the intervention by church leaders is widely being viewed as an effort to foster reconciliation through a humanitarian and community-based approach rather than political confrontation.

Discussions are expected to continue in the coming days as both Naga and Kuki groups remain firm in their positions regarding the blockades. Church leaders have appealed to all parties to choose dialogue over confrontation and to avoid actions that could deepen the suffering of ordinary people.

As of Friday evening, the state administration had not issued any official response to the church-led peace initiative, though security forces continue to maintain heightened vigilance in the affected districts of Manipur.

By Tungthang Zou