The Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum (KCLF) has appealed for immediate peace, reconciliation and restoration of trust as tensions rise between sections of the Kuki and Tangkhul communities in Manipur’s Ukhrul and Kamjong districts. In an official statement, the forum said a local misunderstanding involving a few individuals in Litan village has escalated into a wider cycle of violence that has already caused loss of innocent lives, destruction of homes and property, and widespread fear and trauma among residents.
Expressing “grave concern” over the escalating hostilities, KCLF condemned all forms of violence and warned that the unrest risks deepening divisions in a state already affected by prolonged ethnic conflict. The forum described the situation as “most unfortunate” and “heartbreaking,” noting that the communities involved “worship the same God, read the same Scriptures, and profess the same gospel of peace.”
KCLF urged all parties to cease hostilities immediately to prevent further suffering. The statement stressed that violence cannot deliver justice or lasting peace and cautioned that continued confrontation will only deepen social wounds, damage relationships and impose long-term hardships on families, students and the wider society.
The forum also highlighted the danger posed by hatred, misinformation and vested interests, warning that false narratives could further deteriorate inter-community relations and harm the image and unity of Christians in India. KCLF raised particular concern over inflammatory rhetoric circulating on social media and public discourse, saying much of the information fueling public sentiment remains unverified or false, and appealed to the public to refrain from spreading rumours, hate speech and divisive propaganda.
Pointing to shared historical, social and spiritual ties between Kukis and Nagas in Manipur, the forum called on community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and other stakeholders to reject false narratives, exercise restraint and commit to peaceful dialogue. It warned against ethnocentric readings of the Bible in a multiethnic society, saying such interpretations contradict the teachings of Jesus and risk intensifying ethnic hatred; “the Bible must never be used to incite hatred or legitimise violence,” the statement said.
“The Church is called to be a witness of peace, reconciliation, and truth,” KCLF added, urging pastors and church leaders to promote healing, unity and truthful teaching. The forum also urged authorities to ensure fair and impartial investigations into the incidents and allegations that triggered the escalation, warning that delayed justice could further aggravate an already fragile situation. Reaffirming longstanding bonds between Kuki and Tangkhul communities, KCLF appealed to peace‑loving members on both sides to choose dialogue over destruction and love over hatred.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/choose-peace-over-conflict-kclf-urges-end-to-violence-in-manipurs-ukhrul-and-kamjong-1383049-2026-04-29?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-04-29 09:47:00
