Slain Church leader's son forgives killers, appeals for peace and release of hostages
Source: The Sangai Express

Kpi, May 15 2026: In a poignant display of grief, grace and moral courage, Haominlun Sitlhou - the only son of slain church leader Rev Dr V Sitlhou, publicly forgave those responsible for his father's brutal killing during the finalburial ceremony of the three church leaders killed in the deadly May 13 ambush in Kangpokpi district.

Addressing thousands of mourners gathered at the TBA-I Campus in Motbung on Friday.

Haominlun invoked the name of the Lord and called for peace amid the deepening crisis in the region.

Slain Church leader's son forgives killers, appeals for peace and release of hostages

"I forgive those who killed my father in the name of the Lord and in the larger interest of peace," he declared, his words echoing across the packed burial ground in an emotionally charged silence broken only by sobs.

In a powerful continuation of his slain father's lifelong spiritual mission, Haominlun said he was choosing to walk the very path Rev Dr V Sitlhou had lived and died for�peace, reconciliation and faith.

Haominlun urged major Naga civil society organisations, including the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga People's Organisation (NPO), and Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA), to intervene and facilitate the immediate release of the remaining Kuki hostages as a humanitarian gesture and a step toward restoring peace.

The burial ceremony, held under the aegis of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBA-I) drew thousands of mourners from across the Kuki-Zo community and beyond, as people gathered with shattered hearts to bid farewell to the three church leaders.

The three Kuki-Zo MLAs from Kangpokpi district - Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen, and Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing - also attended the burial ceremony, alongside leaders of Kuki Inpi Manipur, Kuki-Zo Council, and numerous civil society organisations, underscoring the collective grief, solidarity and political significance of the tragedy.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Christian Leaders' Forum (KCLF) has also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages allegedly held in connection with the killing of three prominent church leaders, warning that continued captivity of innocent civilians could further deepen the volatile crisis.

Expressing deep sorrow and grave concern, the Christian body said the entire Kuki Christian community was reeling from shock following the cold-blooded murder of Rev V Sitlhou, Pr Paogoulen and Rev Paogoulun on May 13, terming the incident as a barbaric assault not only on individuals but on faith, humanity and peace itself The forum stated that taking innocent civilians hostage in the aftermath of such a heinous crime was morally indefensible and could neither deliver justice nor heal the pain of bereaved families.

"At this painful moment, when families, churches and communities are mourning, violence, retaliation and hatred can never be the solution," the forum asserted, while urging all armed groups, civil society organisations and community stakeholders across both sides to ensure the safe and unconditional release of every innocent captive without delay.

In a stem caution against misinformation, KCLF urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified content, hate speech or inflammatory propaganda on social media, warning that such actions could further fracture communities already standing on the edge of disaster.