AMCO seeks answer over killing of Church leaders
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 18: The All Manipur Christian Organization has condemned "continued silence" over the brutal ambush and assassination of Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, former president of AMCO and former general secretary MBC.
Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou was a prominent peace activist. He was killed along with two Thadou ordained Pastors on May 13 in an ambush in Kangpokpi district.
While the incident 'triggered' abduction of civilians on both sides (Kuki and Naga) and killing of six Naga hostages, no attempt has been made to ascertain who carried out the ambush, said AMCO.
This "deliberate" concealment of truth has only emboldened evil and perpetuates the cycle of violence, it said.
AMCO unequivocally condemns the culture of ambush and abduction and all forms of violence committed against innocent people and religious leaders, regardless of community and tribe. No militant group should take political mileage at the expense of innocent lives in order to fulfil their whims and wishes, it said.
AMCO added that militant groups or organizations who were directly or indirectly involved in the ambush must come forward, claim moral responsibility, and confess their sins in repentance as true Christians before God and humanity instead of playing the blame shifting game, concealing the truth.
The Government, law enforcement agencies, civil Church leaders, and all peace-loving citizens should leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is delivered impartially and without fear or favour, it said. No community should suffer because of the crimes of few, and no innocent life should be sacrificed on the altar of hatred and revenge. May the truth prevail, justice be upheld, and peace and reconciliation be restored among all communities of Manipur, AMCO said.
IMPHAL, Jun 18: The All Manipur Christian Organization has condemned "continued silence" over the brutal ambush and assassination of Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, former president of AMCO and former general secretary MBC.
Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou was a prominent peace activist. He was killed along with two Thadou ordained Pastors on May 13 in an ambush in Kangpokpi district.
While the incident 'triggered' abduction of civilians on both sides (Kuki and Naga) and killing of six Naga hostages, no attempt has been made to ascertain who carried out the ambush, said AMCO.
This "deliberate" concealment of truth has only emboldened evil and perpetuates the cycle of violence, it said.
AMCO unequivocally condemns the culture of ambush and abduction and all forms of violence committed against innocent people and religious leaders, regardless of community and tribe. No militant group should take political mileage at the expense of innocent lives in order to fulfil their whims and wishes, it said.
AMCO added that militant groups or organizations who were directly or indirectly involved in the ambush must come forward, claim moral responsibility, and confess their sins in repentance as true Christians before God and humanity instead of playing the blame shifting game, concealing the truth.
The Government, law enforcement agencies, civil Church leaders, and all peace-loving citizens should leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth and ensuring that justice is delivered impartially and without fear or favour, it said. No community should suffer because of the crimes of few, and no innocent life should be sacrificed on the altar of hatred and revenge. May the truth prevail, justice be upheld, and peace and reconciliation be restored among all communities of Manipur, AMCO said.