Edited by Lulun Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi, May 8, 2026
The Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum on Wednesday appealed for calm and sustained dialogue between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities, warning that escalating tensions in Manipur risk further eroding inter-community trust and long-term stability in the state. The forum said recent unrest, reportedly sparked by a misunderstanding in Litan Sareikhong village, was unfortunate and urged all sides to prevent any slide toward confrontation.
Issuing the statement on the 116th anniversary of Christianity in Southern Manipur, the KCLF said the occasion should remind communities of core Christian values of peace, reconciliation, and coexistence. It stressed that the anniversary is a moment to rebuild confidence rather than deepen existing fault lines. The forum called on both Kukis and Tangkhuls to prioritize restoration of trust through direct engagement at the village and institutional levels.
KCLF extended support to recent peace appeals made by Nagaland-based bodies, including the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum, Naga Council Dimapur, and the Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations. It endorsed calls for an immediate halt to violence and maintained that dialogue remains the only practical path forward. Citing the Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations, the forum noted that prolonged conflict would only increase civilian suffering and undermine prospects for durable peace across the region.
The forum cautioned against collective blame, stating that many members of the Tangkhul community continue to stand for peace and harmony despite the actions of a few individuals. It argued that holding entire communities responsible for isolated incidents risks widening divisions and jeopardizing grassroots ties that have endured past conflicts. The statement urged restraint in public narratives and asked leaders to avoid rhetoric that could inflame sentiments.
Recalling the intervention of church and civil society groups during the Kuki-Naga conflict of the 1990s, the KCLF urged Christian leaders across the Northeast to re-engage in active peace-building. The forum said faith-based networks have historically played a stabilizing role and should once again mediate between communities, facilitate humanitarian outreach, and create platforms for structured dialogue.
KCLF welcomed the Kohima peace initiative announced by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum proposing a two-month cessation of violence from May 5 to July 5, 2026. It said the window could provide critical space for reconciliation and rebuilding confidence on the ground. Reaffirming the Kuki community’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, the forum concluded that Manipur’s future must be anchored in mutual understanding, justice, and dialogue rather than recurring cycles of violence.
Disclaimer: This report is based on statements issued by the Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum and other organizations. The publisher encourages peaceful dialogue and does not endorse violence or inflammatory rhetoric from any side.
