Manipur Church Remains Empty as Pastor Stays in Captivity

Imphal: The Leimakhong Baptist Church stands empty and Hope International School has suspended classes as the local community awaits the return of Reverend Dr. Manu Thiumai. The pastor, along with his brother Dilip Thiumai, is among six people still held captive by suspected Kuki militants after being detained earlier this month.

The incident began on May 13 when a group of 18 Naga civilians was intercepted near Konsakhul village in the Kangpokpi district. The group was traveling home following a family wedding celebration. While 12 individuals were released two days later, the fate of the remaining six hostages remains unknown.

Reverend Thiumai’s wife, Kachiaklungliu Thiumai, was initially detained alongside her husband but was released on May 15. She noted that her husband had dedicated his life to church ministry and educating underprivileged children since founding the Leimakhong Baptist Church in 2010. The couple and their relatives were among those seized while returning from the wedding.

The ongoing hostage crisis adds to the instability of a region already affected by years of ethnic conflict. Leimakhong was once a diverse community, but recent violence has caused mass displacement among Meitei and Naga residents. For now, the shuttered school and silent pews serve as a stark reminder of the personal toll this crisis has taken on the congregation.