Shillong: The Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) has strongly condemned the recent incidents of violence against innocent people and peace advocates in Manipur.

In a press statement issued by KJCLF secretary Reverend Edwin H Kharkongor, the forum expressed solidarity with Christian forums, churches, conferences and councils, while denouncing what it described as "heinous crimes" committed against members of society in the violence-hit state.

The forum stated that the recent incidents and the public response to them reflect that citizens across the country desire peace and stability.

KJCLF also highlighted the role played by Christian organisations such as the National Christian Council in India, Catholic Bishops Conference in India and Evangelical Fellowship in India in condemning the violence against church leaders on May 13 and calling for solutions to the kidnappings and hijackings reported in Manipur.

According to the forum, condemnation of the violence has come from people across religious, political and ethnic backgrounds, and those responsible for the crimes must be brought to justice without delay.

The KJCLF further appealed to the highest offices in the country, including the President and the Prime Minister, to intervene immediately and address the divisions and conflict among communities in Manipur.

It also called for an immediate cessation of violence among all conflict groups to facilitate peace-building efforts in the state.