The United Democratic Party (UDP) in Meghalaya expressed its deepest anguished and unequivocal condemnation of Wednesday’s killing of three Pastors – Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, TBAI President, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, TBAI Finance Secretary and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.
In a statement issued on Thursday, UDP general secretary Titosstar Well Chyne termed the attack as a “barbaric act against not only on innocent men of God, but also the very fabric of humanity, religious freedom and the constitutional values of India”.
“Pastors who serve communities with peace, compassion, and selfless dedication should never become targets of violence. We condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and inhumane act. There can be no justification in political, ethic, or religion for the murder of unarmed religious leaders,” Chyne stated.
“We demand immediate action from the Government of Manipur and the Union Government to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure swift justice. The rule of law must prevail over lawlessness. We stand in solidarity with the families of the deceased pastors, the Church in Manipur, and the Christian community across the Northeast. We share your grief and pray for comfort and strength during this dark hour,” the UDP leader said.
Appealing for peace and restraint from all communities in Manipur, he said, “Violence begets more violence. The cycle must end and we urge civil society, Church bodies and community leaders to work together to restore trust and harmony.”
“We call upon the National Human Rights Commission for Minorities to take suo motu cognizance of this incident and ensure protection of religious minorities and clergy in conflict zones. The Northeast has always been a land of diverse faith living in harmony. Attempts to divide us through bloodshed and fear must be defeated by our collective commitment to peace, justice and fraternity. The UDP urges the Centre to treat this matter with the urgency it deserves. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he stated.