Displaced Catholic families return to Leingangching after seven years
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul, November 24 2025: In a landmark moment of reconciliation and renewed hope, seven Catholic families who had lived in displacement for seven years were formally welcomed back to Leingangching S Laho village on November 22 .

The homecoming and house-blessing ceremony, organised by the Tangkhul Catholic Council (TCC), marked a significant milestone in restoring peace and unity within the community.

The families had fled the village in 2018 following severe religious intolerance and threats, taking refuge at Sacred Heart Parish, Hungpung.

Since then, the Hungpung Church community has provided them with shelter, spiritual guidance and support throughout the prolonged displacement.

A peace covenant and resettlement agreement, facilitated by Kamjong Deputy Commissioner Rangnamei Rang Peter, was signed on May 18, 2024, paving the way for their return.

Following this, construction of new houses began in February with the consent of village leaders, and all seven households have now been resettled.

The historic event saw the presence of priests, nuns, church leaders, Catholic faithful and village authorities from Sharkaphung.

Representing the Archdiocese of Imphal, Fr Vialo Zingkhai, Economer, thanked village authorities for allocating land for the resettlement.

He shared that after discussions between the Diocese, TCC and Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS), it was resolved that the Diocese would build the houses.

"It may be a humble space, but it will shelter them from rain and sun," Fr Vialo remarked.

The DSSS, led by Director Fr Kanmi Dominic, oversaw the construction, while the Deputy Commissioner and SDO contributed four bundles of GI sheets.

Dr Shomi Brian, President of the All Manipur Catholic Union (AMCU), praised Headman Wungreikhan's leadership, urging him to continue fostering peace and harmony among the Tangkhul people, especially for the benefit of younger generations.

Sharkaphung Headman Wungreikhan Kasar expressed profound joy at the families' return while acknowledging the years of separation.

Stressing the need for unity, he called on all sides to rebuild trust through dialogue.

"Now is the time to forgive, forget and forge a brighter future together," he said, clarifying that religious differences were never the root cause of the earlier conflict.

Former AMCU President Dr Matthew Kamei reaffirmed the community's commitment to implementing the May 18 Peace Covenant and appealed to the headman to permit the construction of a church for the Catholic community.

TCC President James Hosannah described the homecoming as "happy, rare and unique," expressing hope that such displacement would never again occur.

He reminded village authorities that the returning families represent a united Catholic community that desires to live peacefully without denominational barriers.

Leingangching falls under Sacred Heart Parish, Hungpung.

During the programme, Parish Priest Fr Michael Kochuparambil officially announced the name of the new church as St Vianney Church and urged the faithful to remain cooperative in village affairs and responsible as law-abiding citizens.

The homecoming marks a new chapter for Leingangching, symbolising renewed commitments to peaceful coexistence, religious freedom and community harmony, with both community leaders and villagers expressing confidence in building a more united and resilient future.

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