TBAI condemns killing of its leaders, calls for release of all hostages
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IMPHAL, May 20: The Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) has condemned the ambush on their "official vehicles" on May 13 which killed three of its leaders.
The vehicles which were ambushed near Saheibung Peak (Zero Point), between Kotlen and Kotzim villages in Kangpokpi district clearly bore TBAI name plates. The Church leaders were returning after attending the United Baptist Churches Council meeting held at Churachandpur from May 11 to 13 when the tragic attack took place, said the TBAI in a statement.
In the dastardly incident, Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, president of TBAI, Rev Kaigoulun Lhouvum, finance secretary of TBAI and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou, Superintendent Pastor were brutally murdered. Rev SM Haopu, executive secretary of TBAI, Rev Kaikhothang Singsit, Pastor, TBAI Centre Church Kangpokpi, Thangtinlen Sitlhou-driver and Lungoumang Lhouvum-driver, sustained injuries. Rev Hekai Simte, Superintendent Pastor was unharmed, said the TBAI.
"We condemn this barbaric and inhuman act of terror in the strongest possible terms. The deliberate targeting of our clearly identified association vehicles and innocent leaders, devoted servants of God who have never been involved in any socio-political activities is highly condemnable, unacceptable, and [is] a grave assault on peace and religious freedom," TBAI said.
The Government of India and the Government of Manipur must immediately arrest the perpetrators and ensure that justice is delivered as per the law of the land, it said.
The TBAI further urged the authorities to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation.
"We appeal to the Government to provide immediate medical care to the injured and adequate compensation along with humanitarian assistance to the bereaved families," TBAI said.
The TBAI said it deeply mourns the tragic loss of the three senior leaders "whose faithful service and sacrificial ministry strengthened the Church and the entire Christian community."
It thanked all associations, conventions, Churches, organizations, and individuals for their prayers and support, and appealed to all communities to maintain peace, calm, and communal harmony.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God ," said the TBAI quoting the Bible, and called for immediate and unconditional release of any and all hostages taken in the aftermath of the ambush.
The vehicles which were ambushed near Saheibung Peak (Zero Point), between Kotlen and Kotzim villages in Kangpokpi district clearly bore TBAI name plates. The Church leaders were returning after attending the United Baptist Churches Council meeting held at Churachandpur from May 11 to 13 when the tragic attack took place, said the TBAI in a statement.
In the dastardly incident, Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, president of TBAI, Rev Kaigoulun Lhouvum, finance secretary of TBAI and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou, Superintendent Pastor were brutally murdered. Rev SM Haopu, executive secretary of TBAI, Rev Kaikhothang Singsit, Pastor, TBAI Centre Church Kangpokpi, Thangtinlen Sitlhou-driver and Lungoumang Lhouvum-driver, sustained injuries. Rev Hekai Simte, Superintendent Pastor was unharmed, said the TBAI.
"We condemn this barbaric and inhuman act of terror in the strongest possible terms. The deliberate targeting of our clearly identified association vehicles and innocent leaders, devoted servants of God who have never been involved in any socio-political activities is highly condemnable, unacceptable, and [is] a grave assault on peace and religious freedom," TBAI said.
The Government of India and the Government of Manipur must immediately arrest the perpetrators and ensure that justice is delivered as per the law of the land, it said.
The TBAI further urged the authorities to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation.
"We appeal to the Government to provide immediate medical care to the injured and adequate compensation along with humanitarian assistance to the bereaved families," TBAI said.
The TBAI said it deeply mourns the tragic loss of the three senior leaders "whose faithful service and sacrificial ministry strengthened the Church and the entire Christian community."
It thanked all associations, conventions, Churches, organizations, and individuals for their prayers and support, and appealed to all communities to maintain peace, calm, and communal harmony.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God ," said the TBAI quoting the Bible, and called for immediate and unconditional release of any and all hostages taken in the aftermath of the ambush.