Kuki-Zo Catholic Union Promulgates Constitution, Elects First Office Bearers

Lamka, January 17, 2026:

A significant chapter in the life of the Kuki-Zo Catholic community unfolded with the formal promulgation of the Constitution of the Kuki-Zo Catholic Union (KZCU) and the election of its first leadership at the Good Shepherd Parish premises in Lamka.

The programme commenced with a warm word of welcome followed by an invocation prayer led by Rev. Fr. Athew Mathew, Parish Priest of Good Shepherd Parish, setting a prayerful tone for the proceedings. This was followed by a keynote address and the presentation of a secretarial report on behalf of the interim body, outlining the journey and vision of the newly formed Union.

After the presentation of a brief report by the former Secretary, Pu John Guite, Fr. Samy, Spiritual Chaplain of the KZCU, formally inaugurated the Constitution of the Union. In his address, he highlighted the importance of the Constitution as a guiding framework for unity, accountability, and service within the Catholic community. He then entrusted the responsibility of conducting the General Election to the Election Commission comprising Fr. Paul Lelen, Pu Marcus Mangkhankhai, and Pu Dr. John Ngamkholun Haokip.

Together with the Advisory Board, the Election Commission constituted the General Assembly, functioning in the roles of Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Moderator, and Secretary. The Assembly was empowered to conduct the election of executive members and to address concerns and grievances of subordinate units, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Following a clear explanation of the election procedures and constitutional formalities, the election process was formally set in motion. With a two-thirds majority, the General Assembly unanimously elected the following office bearers as the Executive Members of the Kuki-Zo Catholic Union:

• President: Pu M. Lawrence Zou
• Vice-President: Pu John Thanglal Haokip
• General Secretary: Pu Benjamin Lalmingthanga
• Assistant Secretary: Pu Jacob Khupsuanmung Nausen
• Finance Secretary: Pu Dominic K. Munluo
• Treasurer: Pu Michael Kamminthang Haokip
• Members of the Advisory Council : In addition, Pu Stephen Mangsuanthang and Pu David Thangmang Mate were elected.
• Priest Fraternity : It was also announced that a delegate from the congregation would be nominated in the coming days.

The remaining portfolios, particularly at the unit level, will be constituted at a later stage in coordination with the Executive Committee, Election Commission, and Advisory Council.

At the conclusion of the election process for the 2026–2029 term, a short prayer service was held at Good Shepherd Church in the presence of Fr. Athew Mathew, Fr. Paul Lelen, and Fr. Samy. During the service, Fr. Samy offered a special blessing for the newly elected leaders and all those present, invoking God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance for their mission of service.

The Kuki-Zo Catholic Union was formed in mid-2024 amid the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. The Union took shape at St. Mary’s Parish, Tuibuang, under the initiative of Rev. Fr. Lourdhasamy, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s and Spiritual Director of the Kuki-Zo community. The Union seeks to promote, strengthen, and safeguard the Catholic faith in Kuki-Zo inhabited regions, while fostering unity, resilience, and hope among the faithful during challenging times.