By NE NOW NEWS
Aizawl: The Central Committee of the Young Mizo Association (CYMA), the largest and most influential civil society organisation in Mizoram, on Thursday issued a strong condemnation following a deadly ambush in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district that left three prominent church leaders dead and four others wounded.
The three Christian leaders belonged to the Thadou or Kuki community, who share close ethnic ties with the Mizos.
The attack occurred on Wednesday as leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were travelling between Kotzim and Kotlen. The delegation was returning from a religious convention in Churachandpur when their vehicle was intercepted and fired upon by unidentified gunmen.
In a statement, the Central YMA expressed profound grief over the loss of lives, calling the attack on innocent religious leaders an act of cowardice.
“The CYMA is deeply pained by this incident. We strongly condemn the killing of these peaceful religious leaders,” the statement said.
The organisation urged the Central government to take swift and firm action to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The CYMA further said that the latest surge in violence directly threatens the safety of the Zofate (kindred tribes of the Mizo) residing in Manipur.
It also emphasised that such bloodshed destabilises the fragile peace between ethnic communities in the region.
“We find it difficult to comprehend this attack as it severely compromises the safety of our brothers in Manipur. Our earnest desire remains for lasting peace and harmony between the Zofate and all other ethnic communities,” the statement read.
The CYMA also extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy and full recovery for the four injured persons.