Shillong, May 14: The United Democratic Party(UDP) has strongly condemned the killing of three pastors in Manipur, describing the incident as a “barbaric act” and an attack on humanity, religious freedom and constitutional values.
In a press statement issued on Thursday by the General Secretary of the party, Titosstar Well Chyne, the party expressed anguish over the deaths of Vumthang Sitlhou, Kaigoulun Lhouvumand Paogoulen Sitlhou.
The party stated that pastors and religious leaders who dedicate their lives to serving communities with peace, compassion and selflessness should never become targets of violence.
Condemning the killings in the strongest terms, the UDP said there could be no justification—political, ethnic or religious—for the murder of unarmed religious leaders. The party demanded immediate action from the Manipur Government and the Union Government to identify and apprehend those responsible and ensure swift justice.
The UDP also expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, the Church in Manipur and the Christian community across the Northeast, while offering prayers for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
Appealing for peace and restraint among all communities in Manipur, the party warned that violence would only lead to further violence and urged civil society organisations, church bodies and community leaders to work collectively to restore trust and harmony.
The party further called upon the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Minorities to take suo motu cognisance of the incident and ensure the protection of religious minorities and clergy members in conflict-affected areas.
The UDP said the Northeast has always been a region where diverse faiths coexist peacefully and asserted that attempts to divide communities through fear and bloodshed must be defeated through collective commitment to peace, justice and fraternity.
The party also urged the Centre to treat the matter with urgency, stating that “justice delayed is justice denied.”
