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ASIA/INDIA - Archbishop of Imphal calls for “Peace Agreement” in Manipur, as ethnic tensions flare up again

Imphal – Amid the tense situation caused by the hostage crisis, which has led to new massacres, including the murder of two Protestant pastors of the Naga ethnic group, Archbishop of Imphal, Mgr. Linus Neli, is appealing to the people to reach an agreement that will go down in history as the “Manipur Agreement 2026.” The archbishop renewed his appeal to all ethnic groups in Manipur, calling for dialogue, reconciliation, and the protection of innocent civilians in the face of the ongoing violence. He asked the state’s three largest ethnic groups – Kuki, Naga, and Meitei – to work toward a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement. Archbishop Neli, who issued a statement entitled “On the Protection of Human Life and the Pursuit of Peace,” expressed to Fides his “deep regret for the loss of innocent lives and the destruction caused by the more than three-year conflict in the State.” He condemned all forms of violence against civilians, stating, “No circumstance or justification can justify the killing of an innocent human being.” He reaffirmed the “sanctity of life and human dignity.” “Deliberate attacks on civilians violate both moral principles and universally recognized human values,” he declared, expressing his solidarity with the families of the victims and hostages. The archbishop appealed to the communities, stating, “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.” “Lasting peace,” he continues, “can only emerge through a continuous dialogue between communities, supported by both traditional institutions and civil society groups and organizations capable of mediation.” Along this path, he emphasizes, “progressive disarmament and the strengthening of cross-border cooperation are necessary to promote economic growth and regional stability.” He reaffirms the Catholic Church’s support for “initiatives that promote healing, responsibility, reconciliation, and peace.” In recent days, Catholics in Manipur organized and observed a special day of prayer for reconciliation, in which believers from all ethnic groups participated and prayed together for “the gift of peace.” The “hostage crisis”—the mutual kidnapping of civilians by the rival Kuki and Naga ethnic groups—appeared to be close to being resolved after the release of 14 Kuki hostages. But the discovery of the bodies of six Naga civilians, who had been brutally tortured and killed, has reignited ethnic tensions and sparked protests and outrage among the Naga people. On June 10, security forces recovered the bodies of six Naga men who had been abducted on May 13. Among them were two Protestant Christian pastors: Reverend Manu Thiumai, a respected leader of a Baptist church, and Pastor Kenpibou, also a local Baptist leader. According to local sources, the murders were in retaliation for the killing of three Kuki Baptist pastors . The massacre of six Naga civilians has exacerbated tensions between the Naga and Kuki communities in Manipur. The United Naga Council called for protests, road blockades, and demonstrations to demand justice. The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights also condemned the killing of the six hostages, calling it “extremely brutal,” a “crime against humanity,” and a “barbaric act.” Naga leaders are now rejecting ceasefire agreements with the Kuki militant group and are calling on civilian authorities to immediately arrest those responsible for the massacre. The inter-ethnic conflict in Manipur has led to the internal displacement of civilians from various groups. According to government figures, the number of internally displaced persons reached approximately 60,000 in June 2026.

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