The recreational cabin of Sipongsang Baptist Church, in Tuensang district reportedly razed in a suspected arson on December 3. (Inset) The cabin before the fire. (Photo by Special Arrangement)
Morung Express News
Dimapur/Tuensang | December 11
A recreational cabin belonging to the Sipongsang Baptist Church (SBC) in Tuensang was reportedly destroyed completely by fire on the evening of December 3, in what the church has described as an alleged “act of vandalism.”
The burning of the “spiritual sanctuary” owned by the church, as well as the vandalisation of other structures, has “deeply wounded’’ the community, the SBC maintained in a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang.
As per the letter, the fire broke out around 7:30 PM and fully consumed the cabin, which had served as a cherished spiritual and resting space for visitors.
The landmarks, which hold immense cultural and spiritual significance, were desecrated in what can only be described as a heinous act by unknown miscreants, it added.
Besides, severe damage was also inflicted on the surrounding tourist site, including the observatory, it added.
Among others, the SBC highlighted that the location holds particular importance for the Chang community, including a large steel white cross standing on the mountaintop overlooking the area and considered one of the biggest in Tuensang District.
Erected in memory of the Chang Baptist Youth Endeavour (CBYE) Convention of 1971, the cross has long been regarded as a symbol of faith and unity and was rededicated by Rev Achu Chang, the then Executive Secretary of the Chang Baptist Lashong Thangyen (CBLT), on December 14, 2019.
When contacted, SBC Pastor M Mosa told The Morung Express that the destroyed cabin, estimated to be located roughly one kilometre from Sipongsang village, served as a resting point for those visiting the cross, a local pilgrimage site.
Photographs shared with this newspaper showed the cabin charred to ashes, with only the nearby tree standing, scalped.
Bamboo structures near the cross, used for resting and sightseeing, were also vandalised, while trees surrounding a nearby lake were reportedly cut down.
However, the pastor clarified that the cross itself was not destroyed. The police had been informed and had visited the location.
While declining to comment on any suspicions, he expressed hope that the authorities would examine the matter thoroughly.
Meanwhile, in the letter to the DC Tuensang, the SBC condemned the incident, describing it as distressing for the community.
The church further appealed for a thorough investigation and urged the district administration to identify those responsible for the alleged act of vandalism.
It stressed that accountability was essential to prevent similar incidents targeting any religious or community institution.
“Your timely intervention will be crucial in restoring assurance, fostering healing, and guiding us towards a brighter and more hopeful tomorrow,” the SBC urged the DC.
