Northeast Catholic Bishops Call for End to Manipur Violence

Guwahati, September 13, 2026: The Catholic bishops of Northeast India have appealed for an immediate end to violence and retaliation in Manipur, urging political and community leaders to pursue dialogue, justice and reconciliation to restore lasting peace in the conflict-affected state.

The appeal came in a statement issued on September 10, following the bishops’ annual meeting at Archbishop’s House in Shillong from September 7 to 9. Representing the 15 Catholic dioceses of Northeast India, the bishops expressed deep anguish over the continuing violence, which has claimed lives, displaced families and damaged places of worship.

The bishops condemned violence “in any form and by any individual or group”, stressing that grievances, however serious, could not be resolved through violence, arson or the spread of hatred through social media.

“Violence only breeds more violence. It has no winner and leaves behind deeper wounds for the next generation to inherit,” they said.

The bishops appealed to the people of Manipur to refrain from inflammatory speeches, rumours and acts of violence and retaliation. They also called on the State and Central Governments, political leaders and community representatives to pursue sincere dialogue, justice and cooperation as the basis for a durable peace process.

Call for inclusive peace process

The bishops urged authorities and civil society to ensure the protection of every citizen and the impartial delivery of humanitarian assistance to all those affected by the conflict.

They called for an inclusive peace process that respects the dignity and rights of every community and promotes forgiveness, reconciliation and respect for human life.

“As a Christian community, we cannot remain silent spectators to this suffering,” the statement said.

The bishops also appealed to people of goodwill to pray for peace in Manipur and urged Church institutions across the Northeast to extend assistance to victims of violence without discrimination.

Peace rooted in justice and reconciliation

Reflecting on the Christian understanding of peace, the bishops said peace cannot be reduced to the mere absence of conflict but must be founded on justice, truth and reconciliation.

They urged all sections of society to reject violence, engage in dialogue and work together to rebuild trust among communities.

The bishops concluded their appeal by calling on the people of Manipur and all people of goodwill to work and pray for peace, reconciliation and a future free from violence.

Source : NESCOM