Following the murder of three Kuki-Thadou Christian church leaders in Manipur State, India, Christian Solidarity Worldwide reported a series of retaliatory abductions and a hostage crisis involving civilians in Kuki and Naga communities.
The unidentified attackers killed three Kuki-Thadou church leaders while they were traveling from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi district in Manipur on Wednesday morning (May 13). Among the deceased was Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, who was known as a respected Baptist leader involved in reconciliation efforts between tribal Christian communities in Manipur.
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After the killings, CSW reported shutdowns and protests in multiple Kuki-Zo areas, causing disruptions in highway movement along hill districts. Within hours of the incident, retaliatory abductions took place, with Naga civilians abducted by armed Kuki groups and Kuki civilians detained or abducted by Naga villagers in response.
The situation escalated into a hostage crisis involving civilians from both sides, followed by negotiations involving church leaders, tribal organizations and other groups. Several hostages, including 14 Naga and 14 Kuki civilians, were released May 16. Protests continue, calling for the release of the remaining 14 Kuki and six Naga hostages.
Leaders respond
Wissam al-Saliby, president of the Christian international human-rights organization 21Wilberforce, expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Manipur, emphasizing the organization’s efforts to support reconciliation and calling the global church to action.
“21Wilberforce has worked alongside Baptist communities in Northeast India for many years to support reconciliation and peacebuilding. … Our goal is to strengthen the institutional capacity of Baptist conventions and church leaders to promote sustained peace, reduce tensions, and help prevent further violence,” Wissam said.
He emphasized international Christian support is critical to sustaining local peace efforts.
“The global Baptist and broader Christian communities should actively support those working for peace in Manipur — both in word and in deed — so local church leaders are empowered to encourage nonviolence, dialogue, and reconciliation within their communities,” he continued.
Pointing to the region’s deep Baptist heritage, Wissam warned against allowing divisions to deepen further.
“Manipur urgently needs renewed momentum toward peace and unity. Northeast India is home to millions of Baptists and carries a legacy shaped in part by more than a century of American Baptist missionary engagement. This is not a moment for deeper division.”
He urged Christians to pray for unity among Baptists in Manipur and across Northeast India and for the Indian government to ensure accountability for acts of violence, treating all citizens impartially.
“Our identity in Christ must be stronger than tribal or ethnic divisions. As Jesus prayed in John 17, the unity of his people is itself a witness to the world,” he said.
Brief background
The Kukis are a large indigenous ethnic group comprising multiple tribes spread across the hill districts of Manipur and parts of Northeastern India and Northwestern Myanmar. The Thadou are one of the largest Kuki tribes in Manipur. Kuki-zo is a broader term used to describe tribes with shared ethnic and cultural roots.
The Nagas constitute approximately 24% of Manipur’s population and are concentrated mostly in the hill districts of Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel, Tengnoupal, and Tamenglong. Both groups are predominantly Christian, with the Thadou people identifying primarily as Baptists.
Tensions between the Kukis and Nagas have been growing and involve disputes over land, the sharing of resources, and political and economic rifts. Conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities has been ongoing since 2023, with present conflict increasing between Kuki and Naga groups.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Faith Pratt and originally published by Baptist Standard.
