Guwahati , September 12, 2026: The Catholic Bishops of Northeast India have expressed deep anguish over the continuing violence and suffering in Manipur, calling for an immediate end to violence, retaliation and inflammatory rhetoric and urging all concerned to pursue dialogue, justice and reconciliation.
In a press statement dated September 10, issued following their annual meeting at the Archbishop’s House, Shillong, from September 7 to 9, the bishops representing the 15 Catholic dioceses of Northeast India said that the continuing crisis has resulted in the loss of lives, displacement of families and destruction of places of worship.
The bishops unequivocally condemned violence “in any form and by any individual or group,” stressing that no grievance, however legitimate, can be resolved through violence, arson or hatred spread through social media.
“Violence only breeds more violence. It has no winner and leaves behind deeper wounds for the next generation to inherit,” the bishops said.
The bishops appealed to the people of Manipur to immediately refrain from inflammatory speeches, rumours and all forms of violence and retaliation. They also called upon political and community leaders, as well as the State and Central Governments, to embrace the path of sincere dialogue, justice and cooperation to bring about lasting peace.
Call for protection and inclusive peace
The bishops urged all concerned to ensure the protection of every citizen and the impartial provision of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict.
They further called for an inclusive peace process that upholds the dignity and rights of all, emphasising that the way forward must be rooted in forgiveness, reconciliation and respect for every human person.
“As a Christian community, we cannot remain silent spectators to this suffering,” the statement said.
The bishops also appealed to people of goodwill to pray for peace in Manipur and called upon every Church institution in the region to serve all victims of violence without discrimination.
Church called to be an instrument of peace
Reflecting on the Christian understanding of peace, the bishops stressed that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, truth and reconciliation.
They urged all concerned to choose what they described as the difficult but Christian path: to shun violence, seek dialogue and walk together towards peace.
The statement comes amid continuing concern over the humanitarian consequences of the Manipur conflict and the need for a peaceful and inclusive resolution that protects the dignity and rights of all communities.
The bishops concluded by calling on the people of Manipur and all people of goodwill to work and pray for peace, reconciliation and a future free from violence.