Kukiland Express Desk,
By St. Ginth Haokip
Songpi: April 28, 2026
The Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum (KCLF) has issued a powerful appeal for healing and reconciliation as tensions rise between sections of Kuki and Tangkhul communities in Manipur’s Ukhrul and Kamjong districts. Expressing grave concern over the spiralling violence, the forum condemned all forms of hostility and called for an immediate end to conflict, stressing the urgent need to restore Christian unity, truth, and trust between communities that worship the same God and read the same Scriptures.
In its official statement, KCLF said it was deeply disturbed that a local misunderstanding involving a few individuals at Litan village had escalated into a wider wave of violence, further deepening divisions in a state already battered by prolonged ethnic conflict. Calling the situation “most unfortunate” and “heartbreaking,” the Christian body noted that Manipur, which has suffered immense pain, cannot afford another cycle of bloodshed among people who profess the same gospel of peace.
The forum stated that the hostilities have already resulted in loss of innocent lives, destruction of homes and properties, and widespread fear and trauma among affected populations. It strongly urged an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further suffering, warning that violence can neither deliver justice nor secure lasting peace. Instead, the statement said, violence only deepens wounds, destroys relationships, and imposes long-term hardship on families, students, and society as a whole.
KCLF cautioned that if the present unrest is fuelled by hatred, misinformation, and vested interests, it would not only damage inter-community relations but also cast a far-reaching negative impact on Christians across India. Emphasizing shared historical, social, and spiritual ties, the forum said Kukis and Nagas of Manipur have common faith traditions, intertwined histories, and cultural roots that should serve as foundations for unity rather than sources of division.
In one of its strongest observations, the forum voiced serious concern over the misuse of church buildings, pulpits, and religious teachings to encourage hostility, justify violence, or influence youth toward conflict. It warned that ethnocentric interpretations of Holy Scriptures in a multiethnic society directly contradict the teachings of Jesus Christ and risk intensifying ethnic hatred. The Bible, KCLF asserted, must never be weaponised to incite hatred or legitimise violence, particularly among fellow Christians.
“The Church is called to be a witness of peace, reconciliation, and truth,” the statement declared, reminding pastors and church leaders of their sacred responsibility to faithfully preach the Gospel and promote healing, peace, and unity. The forum also raised alarm over misinformation, false narratives, and inflammatory rhetoric spreading through social media and public discourse, noting that much of the content inflaming sentiment remains unverified or false and has already caused immense damage.
Seeking accountability, KCLF appealed to authorities to expedite fair and impartial investigations into the incidents and allegations that triggered the escalation, warning that delayed justice could further destabilise the fragile situation. Reaffirming the deep bonds between Kuki and Tangkhul communities, the forum called on peace-loving members of both sides to reject fear, anger, and manipulation by vested interests. Citing the Beatitudes — “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” — KCLF urged all to choose peace over conflict, dialogue over destruction, and love over hatred to achieve healing and restoration of trust.
