Ukhrul, Manipur: In an atmosphere filled with relief, reconciliation, and renewed hope, seven Catholic families who had been displaced for seven years returned to Leingangching S Laho village on 22nd November. A formal homecoming and house blessing programme, organised by the Tangkhul Catholic Council (TCC), marked a significant step toward renewed peace and unity in the community.
The families had taken refuge at Sacred Heart Parish, Hungpung, in 2018 following severe religious intolerance and threats that forced them to flee. Since then, the Hungpung church community has provided them with protection, spiritual support, and temporary accommodation throughout their prolonged displacement.
A peace covenant and resettlement agreement was signed on May 18, 2024, facilitated by Kamjong Deputy Commissioner Rangnamei Rang Peter. Following this, construction of houses began in February with village leaders’ consent. Seven households have been resettled into their new homes.
The historic event was attended by priests, nuns, church leaders, Catholic faithful, and the village authorities of Sharkaphung.
Representing the Archdiocese of Imphal, Fr. Vialo Zingkhai, Economer, thanked the village authorities for allocating land for resettlement. He explained that after deliberations between the Diocese, Tangkhul Catholic Council (TCC), and Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS), it was decided that the Diocese would build houses for the displaced families.
“It’s a humble space, but it’ll shield them from rain and sun,” Fr. Vialo said. The DSSS, under director Fr. Kanmi Dominic, led the construction efforts, while the DC and SDO contributed four bundles each and more of GI sheets.
Dr. Shomi Brian, President of All Manipur Catholic Union (AMCU), lauded Headman Wungreikhan’s leadership, urging him to continue fostering peace and harmony among the Tangkhul community, especially for the younger generations.
Sharkaphung Headman Wungreikhan Kasar expressed deep happiness at the homecoming while acknowledging the difficult years of separation.
“We should live in unity and harmony, setting an example for others,” he said urging all parties to rebuild trust through dialogue. “If we come together and discuss our differences, there is every possibility for solution.”
He noted that “a lot of bad energy” had accumulated between the two sides but insisted that the past must not define the future. “Now’s the time to forgive, forget, and forge a brighter future together.”
Addressing earlier misunderstandings, he clarified that religious differences had never been the core issue. “At this age and time, who can stop a person from following any religion? Today it is Catholic, tomorrow it could be SDA, Church of Christ, or Pentecost. Anyone can come – who are we to stop?”
He assured the returning families of full support but emphasized the need for order and proper procedure and saying, “We will never refuse what is genuinely needed.” He further urged all residents to respect village laws to prevent future conflicts.
Dr. Matthew Kamei, former AMCU President reaffirmed the community’s commitment to implementing the Peace Covenant signed on 18 May 2024. He appealed to the headman to grant permission for the Catholic community to build a church.
TCC President James Hosannah described the day as “happy, rare, and unique,” expressing hope that such displacement would never recur.
He reminded the village authority that the returning families are “Not individuals but a community of Catholics” and as fellow Christians, they should be allowed to live in harmony, without denominational differences.
Leingangching falls under the Sacred Heart Parish, Hungpung. During the programme, Parish Priest Fr. Michael Kochuparambil officially declared the new church’s name as St. Vianney Church. He encouraged the faithful to cooperate in village affairs and to be responsible, law-abiding citizens.
The homecoming signals a renewed chapter for Leingangching after years of tension and displacement. With fresh commitments to dialogue, religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence, both community leaders and villagers expressed confidence in building a more united and stable future.
