Konsakhul Village Authority (KVA) condemned the abduction of 21 civilians by suspected Leilon Vaiphei elements near Konsakhul
Senapati | EKHON: The United Naga Council (UNC) has condemned the ambush on Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, killing three church leaders and a driver, and injuring several others. The UNC called it an “outrageous ambush” in a press release, saying the attack happened as the church leaders returned from a TBA gathering in Churachandpur.
Among those killed was Rev. V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, along with other church leaders and the driver of the vehicle.
Expressing solidarity with the victims’ families, the council conveyed its “sincere and deepest condolences” and prayed that God would grant strength and comfort to those grieving the loss of their loved ones.
The UNC expressed concern over reports that around 20 Naga villagers from Konsakhul are being held hostage by Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village residents following the ambush. The council called this “deeply disturbing”, saying it was unacceptable, especially given the Naga community’s condemnation of the church leaders’ killing.
“Targeting innocent villagers and holding them hostage is unacceptable and violates all norms of civilized society,” the statement said, warning that such actions could further deepen communal tensions and escalate the fragile situation in the state.
The council appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of the alleged hostages, stressing the need to respect “the right to life and dignity of every individual, irrespective of community.”
The UNC further called upon civil society organisations, church bodies, and community leaders across communities to unite against violence and work collectively towards restoring peace, communal harmony, and coexistence in Manipur.
Meanwhile, the Konsakhul Village Authority (KVA) has condemned the alleged abduction of 21 civilians by suspected Leilon Vaiphei elements near Konsakhul on Tuesday morning.
According to KVA, the civilians, including members of the Maram community and Nepali residents, were returning from Leimakhong Bazaar, with some also coming back from a marriage function, when they were reportedly taken hostage around 10:30 am.
The authority called the incident “inhumane and unlawful” and appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs and concerned authorities to ensure the safe and unconditional release of all the hostages.
