IMPHAL (RVA News/UCAN): Archbishop Linus Neli of Impahal in Manipur, India, has made a heartfelt appeal for peace and calm following the tragic ambush on Protestant Church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association [TBA] in the city’s Kangpokpi district, on May 13, 2026, RVA News reported.
In a statement titled, “Appeal for Peace and Calm,” Archbishop Neli expressed profound grief over the attack on two vehicles carrying church leaders between Kotzim and Kotlen villages. The ambush reportedly claimed innocent lives and left several others injured, deepening fear and uncertainty in the violence-hit state.
Condemning the violence as a “heinous act” against religious leaders who have remained symbols of hope during difficult times, the archbishop called on all communities to reject retaliation and embrace dialogue, forgiveness, reconciliation, restraint, and peaceful coexistence.
According to RVA News, Archbishop Neli noted that Manipur continues to see sporadic violence, worsening the suffering of the people and threatening communal harmony. He emphasised the urgent need to uphold the sanctity of human life and renew commitments to peace and reconciliation.
Archbishop Neli expressed profound grief over the attack on two vehicles carrying church leaders between Kotzim and Kotlen villages
“I therefore make a sincere and humble appeal to all concerned to refrain from every form of violence and retaliation,” the archbishop said, urging authorities and institutions to act with wisdom, fairness, and sensitivity so that peace with justice may prevail and trust among communities may be restored.
Manipur, which borders Myanmar, has been gripped by ethnic violence between the predominantly Christian Kuki-Zo tribal communities and the mainly Hindu Meitei community since May 2023. The conflict has left more than 260 people dead, hundreds injured and more than 60,000 displaced, UCAN reported.
Several organisations, including the United Baptist Churches Council and the Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations, expressed shock and grief over the killings, saying the Church leaders had worked tirelessly to restore peace among the warring indigenous Christian communities in Manipur.
According to UCAN, relations between Kukis and Nagas turned violent on April 18 when two Naga men were killed in an ambush in Ukhrul district.
The Kukis denied responsibility, but tensions escalated and violence continued. At least 10 people from both communities have since been killed, and several villages have been burned down.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, Archbishop Neli assured prayers for the victims and all those affected by the violence
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, Archbishop Neli assured prayers for the victims and all those affected by the violence. He prayed that God would comfort the grieving, heal the wounded, and bless Manipur with reconciliation, understanding, and lasting peace.
Meanwhile Fides reported on May 15 that the two Salesians [SDB], Albert Panmei Aching and Peter Poji Küvisie, were abducted at around 9.00pm on May 13 while travelling from the Don Bosco complex in Imphal, to the Salesian centre in Maram, about 20 kilometres away. They were released the next day.
The provincial of the Salesians of Dimapur, Father Joseph Pampackal expressed gratitude to all those who worked for the release of his confreres. He reiterated “the Salesians’ commitment to peace-building, dialogue and service in the region.”
