Imphal, May 28: The pews inside Leimakhong Baptist Church in Manipur have remained empty for weeks, while Hope International School has suspended classes following the alleged abduction of Reverend Dr. Manu Thiumai and several others earlier this month amid the continuing ethnic unrest in the state.
According to local accounts, the crisis began on May 13 when 18 Naga civilians were allegedly detained by suspected Kuki militants from Leilon Vaiphei village near Konsakhul in Kangpokpi district. The group was reportedly travelling to and from Konsakhul village after attending a family wedding when they were intercepted. Although 12 individuals, including women and children, were released on May 15, six men, including Reverend Thiumai and his brother Dilip Thiumai, remain missing.
The incident has further deepened anxiety in violence-hit Manipur, where ethnic tensions have continued for nearly four years. For the Thiumai family, the uncertainty has turned daily life into a painful wait filled with fear, displacement and unanswered questions.
Speaking about the ordeal, Reverend Thiumai’s wife, Kachiaklungliu Thiumai, said her husband had dedicated his life to church service and the education of children from underprivileged backgrounds. She said the closure of church services and the school since his disappearance had deeply affected the community.
“He dedicated his whole life to serving the church and helping students. Since his abduction, church services have stopped and the school is no longer functioning,” she said.
Family members said Reverend Thiumai established Leimakhong Baptist Church in 2010 and later helped set up Kanglatongbi Baptist Church and Keithelmanbi Baptist Church. Every Sunday, he reportedly conducted multiple prayer services across different churches in the area. However, the church at Leimakhong has remained shut since the abduction.
Residents described the silence inside the church as a reflection of the fear and instability that now grips the area. Leimakhong, once inhabited by Nagas, Kukis, Meiteis and Nepalis, has witnessed repeated displacement since ethnic violence erupted in 2023. While many Meitei families had earlier left the village, recent tensions between Naga and Kuki groups have also forced several Naga residents to flee.
Kachiaklungliu, who was among those released on May 15, said the family has been unable to return either to Konsakhul or their home village due to security concerns and is currently staying with relatives.
Hope International School, founded by Reverend Thiumai at Leimakhong Chingmang, has also ceased operations amid the deteriorating situation. The institution had continued functioning despite the violence in recent years, although student numbers had declined significantly after many families left the area. The school currently has around 120 students, but teachers and students have reportedly been unable to access the campus.
Recalling the day of the incident, Kachiaklungliu said family members were separated almost immediately after being detained.
“We were forced into different vehicles and taken in different directions. Since then, I have not heard his voice,” she said.
The emotional impact has also been severe on the couple’s two daughters, aged 12 and 10, who continue asking about their father’s return.
“It is very difficult to answer their questions,” she added.
The women who were released later reportedly described the experience as traumatic, alleging that they had been blindfolded and moved through unfamiliar terrain during captivity.
As demands for the safe release of the remaining hostages grow louder, community organisations and local residents have urged authorities to intensify rescue efforts. However, the whereabouts and condition of the six missing men remain unknown.
Appealing to the government for urgent intervention, Kachiaklungliu said the authorities must act sincerely to ensure the safe return of those still being held.
“People chose their leaders believing they would protect them. We want the government to help bring them back safely,” she said.
For residents of Leimakhong, the deserted church and silent classrooms have now become painful reminders of a community waiting for peace and normalcy to return.
