The United Naga Council (UNC) has strongly condemned the ambush on leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association Church, in which three persons were reportedly killed and five others seriously injured.
According to a statement issued by the council, the incident occurred between Kotzin and Kotlen while the church leaders were returning from Churachandpur. Among those killed was Rev. V. Silthou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention.
Expressing grief over the incident, the UNC conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and comfort for them during this difficult time.
The council also expressed concern over reports that around 20 Nagas from Konsakhul village were allegedly being held hostage by residents of Leilon Vaiphei village following the ambush incident.
The UNC stated that it could not comprehend such actions and asserted that targeting innocent villagers and holding them hostage is unacceptable and violates the norms of a civilized society. It warned that such incidents would only deepen communal wounds and escalate tensions between communities.
Appealing for peace and restraint, the council urged the concerned group to immediately release the alleged hostages unconditionally while respecting the right to life and dignity of every individual, irrespective of community.
The UNC further called upon civil society organisations, church leaders, and community leaders from all communities to collectively oppose violence and work towards restoring peaceful coexistence and communal harmony in the state.