New Delhi, May 13 (PTI) The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India on Wednesday expressed grief over the killing of Baptist church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district and appealed to all communities to shun violence and retaliation.
In a statement, the CBCI said two vehicles carrying leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were ambushed between Kotzim and Kotlen villages on May 13, leaving several people dead and others injured.
The Catholic body condemned the attack as a “heinous act” against religious leaders who, it said, had remained a source of hope and strength amid the continuing social unrest in the state.
“We are heartbroken by this painful incident in which innocent lives were lost and several others were injured,” the statement said.
The bishops’ conference said violence only deepens wounds, prolongs suffering and weakens the bonds uniting communities.
Echoing the appeal of the Archbishop of Imphal, Dr Linus Neli, the CBCI urged all concerned to refrain from “every form of violence and retaliation” and instead embrace “dialogue, forgiveness, reconciliation, restraint, and peaceful coexistence”.
The organisation also called on authorities to act with “wisdom, fairness and sensitivity” to restore confidence among communities and ensure that “peace with justice may prevail”.
The CBCI said it stood in “prayerful solidarity” with the bereaved families and prayed for peace in Manipur.
“May the God of peace comfort the grieving, heal the wounded, forgive the wrong, and bless Manipur with understanding and lasting peace,” the statement added. PTI AO — MNK MNK
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