(Photo Courtesy: TIM/ TSA)
Dimapur, June 10 (MExN): The Melbourne Thadou Baptist Church (MTBC) has extended financial assistance to the victims of the May 13, 2026 attack in Manipur that claimed the lives of three Thadou Christian leaders and left five others injured.
The deceased, all leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI), were its President Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Finance Secretary Rev Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulun Sitlhou.
The injured included TBAI Executive Secretary Rev S M Haopu, Rev Hekai Simte, Rev Kaikhothang Singsit, and two drivers, Thangtinlen Sitlhou and Goumang Lhouvum.
As part of its mission to support those in need, the church provided financial assistance of Rs 20,000 each to the families of the deceased and Rs 5,600 each to the injured survivors.
The assistance was distributed through the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) and the Thadou Students' Association (TSA), whose representatives visited the affected families and conveyed prayers, words of comfort, encouragement and solidarity during their time of grief.
The church said the tragedy had deeply affected not only the bereaved families but also the wider Thadou community and others.
Referring to the investigation into the incident, MTBC noted that the case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), expressing hope that justice and closure would be achieved. It added that while the affected families have demonstrated forgiveness in keeping with their Christian faith, there remains a call for due legal process to ensure those responsible are brought to justice and similar incidents are prevented in the future.
The church also expressed gratitude to TIM and TSA for their assistance and cooperation in distributing the relief.
Appealing for continued prayers, MTBC urged churches, members of the Thadou community and all concerned to pray for unity, peace, healing and communal harmony in Manipur and other violence-affected areas, while expressing hope for lasting peace, dignity and security for the community.
