The Congress on Wednesday (May 13, 2026) condemned the killing of three Christian leaders in Manipur and accused the Centre of failing to act decisively to end the continuing violence in the State.

Addressing a press conference here at the party’s old headquarters, Congress MP from Manipur A. Bimol Akoijam referred to the killing of three church leaders in an ambush by unidentified armed men in Kangpokpi district on Tuesday (May 12). He said five persons were injured in the attack and another person was later killed in a separate firing incident in the evening.

Mr. Akoijam said the incident was part of the continuing violence that has gripped Manipur since May 3, 2023, and alleged that both the State and Central governments had abdicated their responsibility to protect the people.

“If the Government of India had acted in time, the violence could have been brought to an end long ago,” he said, adding that there was a growing perception among people that certain elements within the establishment were complicit in the violence.

The Congress leader alleged that there was a “deliberate design” to create lawlessness and destroy Manipur, claiming that the BJP’s politics of social polarisation was aimed at dividing communities in the State.

He said that instead of normalcy being restored, the “sphere of violence” had expanded over time. Referring to a recent attack on Tangkhul villages along the Myanmar border, he alleged that armed foreign elements had targeted Indian villages barely a week ago.

“The Modi government has not only failed to protect the lives and property of citizens in Manipur, but has also denied that the attack took place,” he said.

Mr. Akoijam said there was a growing feeling among the people that the Government of India was indifferent to their safety and security.

“If the Union government does not act, where should we go for our right to protection?” he said, adding, “It would be very embarrassing for our country if people think of approaching the United Nations. I know that we are fully capable of handling the situation.”

Calling for immediate action, the Congress MP urged the Centre to crack down on armed groups operating in the State and ensure the protection of lives and property. He also demanded that the report of the inquiry commission constituted to probe the Manipur violence be made public.