Endorses two-month truce between Kuki-Tangkhul
Dimapur, May 8 (MExN): The Kuki Christian Leaders’ Forum (KCLF) has expressed appreciation for the peace efforts led by Christian bodies in Nagaland to de-escalate the ongoing conflict between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities in Manipur, while also cautioning against the spread of misinformation that could undermine reconciliation.
In a statement issued on Friday, the KCLF endorsed the appeal by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) calling for a cessation of violence from May 5 to July 5, describing it as “a beacon of hope” for restoring trust between the two communities.
The Forum, however, refuted false claims circulating on social media that a recent Kuki-Naga joint meeting held in Nagaland failed after the Tangkhul Naga Long president walked out. “Such narratives can create mistrust and hamper ongoing peace-building efforts,” the KCLF said, urging the public to refrain from sharing unverified information.
Appealing to the Kuki community to comply with calls for an immediate halt to hostilities, the KCLF reiterated that continued violence would only intensify suffering and erode the possibility of a peaceful future. It urged Kuki civil society organisations and community leaders to heed the Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations’ (FNBA) call for sincere and constructive dialogue.
The Forum also acknowledged the role of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD), which mediated during the Kuki-Naga conflict in the 1990s, urging it to continue facilitating peace and restitution grounded in Christian values.
“The two-month ceasefire period should serve as an opportunity for healing, coexistence and rebuilding mutual understanding,” the KCLF said, adding that it remains hopeful of restored peace through the intervention of church leaders across Northeast India. The Forum also appealed to all faith communities to fervently pray for peace in Manipur.
