Tripura Baptist Christian Union

The Tripura Baptist Christian Union (TBCU) is the largest Christian Groups in the Indian state of Tripura. It has its head office in Agartala, the state capital. The TBCU is affiliated to the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF)[1] and the Baptist World Alliance (BWA).[2] It is also a member church in the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), a regional church body of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI).[3] As of 2015, TBCU had 84,795 members in 845 churches.[4]

Logo of the Tripura Baptist Christian Union

History

The union was formed under the leadership of Rev. M.J. Eade in December 1938 in Lakshmilunga, a village six miles from Agartala. TBCU was supported and funded from the beginning by the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society (NZBMS) and they provided most of the staff till the 1960s. Since then TBCU has now become an independent indigenous self-supporting church organisation. Rev. M.J. Eade was appointed as the first General Secretary of the Tripura Baptist Christian Union. Rev. Lalhuala Darlong was the first national General Secretary.[5]

TBCU employs many pastors and evangelists and runs community programs such as schools and dispensaries. Since the early 80s, it has been working in partnerships with the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) and also with the Evangelical Church of Maraland (ECM) from Mizoram. Both BCM and ECM have many workers in Tripura working as missionaries and evangelist/teachers in various TBCU churches and schools.

TBCU celebrated its Golden jubilee and Diamond Jubilees in 1988 and 1998 respectively with much fanfare.

Organization

Rev. C. K. Debbarma (Executive Secretary, SNBA) and Rev. Ngaituahsunga Darlong (general secretary, TBCU) during the Sadar North Baptist Youth Fellowship 2006 in Abhicharan Baptist Church

Office

TBCU has its office in the Baptist Mission Compound at Arundhutinagar, Agartala.

The Mission Compound was established in 1938 under an official land grant by the then King of Tripura Kingdom, Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, to the Baptist missionaries from New Zealand.[6]

Associations

It has the following affiliated associations:

• Sadar North Baptist Association (SNBA)
• Central Baptist Association (CBA)
• Kok Baptist Association (KOKBA)
• Udaipur Baptist Association (UBA)
• Salgra Baptist Association (SBA)
• Kailashahar Baptist Christian Association (KBCA)
• Jampui Sakhan Baptist Association (JSBA)
• Achik Krima
• Yarong Baptist Christian Association (YBCA)
• Saisawm-Sazai Baptist Association (SSBA)
• Dharmanagar-Longai Baptist Association (DLBA)
• Yapri Baptist Association (YBA)
• Kamalpur Baptist Association (KBA)
• Songang Baptist Christian Association (SBCA)
• Dergang Baptist Association (DBA)
• Jampui Longai Baptist Association (JL BA)

Every year a meeting of the Council Members of the TBCU is organised at one of the churches within the Union.

Schools

Union

St. Paul's School

Main article: St Paul's School, Agartala

The TBCU runs the St. Paul's School which is situated in Arundhutinagar, Agartala. The school was started in the early 1940s as the first English medium school in the Kingdom of Tripura.

Currently, the Principal of School is Miss Thanzuali and the Vice-Principal is Mr. James Muankima.

The school is a higher secondary school with classes from K.G. to Class XII. It is affiliated to CISCE. There are more than 1500 students.[7]

Darchawi S.B Bengali medium school, at Darchawi village in Unakoti district of Tripura, was also developed by the NZBMS with the financial aid of the Government of Tripura.

KOKBA

• Kok English Medium School

JSBA

The JSBA currently runs two schools.

St. Thomas English Medium School

St. Thomas English Medium School, located at Vanghmun village, was established in 1979. It educates to the mostly scheduled Tribes students living in and around Jampui hill. Pu Lalnunsanga is the headmaster of the school. The school has KG to Class X standards. The school is affiliated to the Tripura Board of School education (TBSE). Every year a considerable number of Madhyamik students appear for their examination and come out with flying colors. The school has contributed greatly to the educational development of the people of Jampui hill. It has a boarding house for both male and female students. A stipend is provided by the Tribal Welfare Department of Tripura, through which each year a number of poor students can pursue their educational careers at the school.

Pohor English Medium School

Pohor English Medium school was established in 2008 at Chawmanu under Chailengta Sub-Division of Dhalai District.

Saisawm Sazai Baptist Association (SSBA)

St James Higher Secondary School

St James Higher Secondary School is located in Gongrai Molsom village, P.O Kendraichera, Sepahijala Dist. Tripura. It was established in 1980. The school is mainly for the scheduled Tribes students. The school is affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education For KG to Class - X and For Class - XI & XII it is affiliated to TBSE.

Nazareth English School

Nazareth English School is Located in Tuidu Baza Gomati District Tripura. Mainly For Classes for KG to Class VIII.

Theology college

The TBCU runs a theology college from its mission compound in Agartala where mission workers are trained in Biblical doctrines and other theological studies. The former General Secretary of TBCU, Rev. Rajani Kaipeng is the principal of the college.

Hospital

Earlier, the TBCU ran its own hospital at their headquarters from the 1930s until 1980 when it was discontinued, providing free treatment to the people of the state.

Presently under SNBA a hospital is being constructed at Patni village of West Tripura around 20 km from Agartala city.

Social service

Since its inception. the TBCU has been supporting the several voluntary NGOs dedicated to the development of the poor tribals living in the remote hamlets of Tripura.

Institute of community transformation

• Sponsored by Seva Bharat (Mission India)

Location: Madhab Baptist Church, Mandwi Baptist Pastoral Circle

Publications

Bibles

TBCU in partnership with the Bible Society of India has been active in translating the Bible and New Testament in various local languages of Tripura.

Firstly KAUBRU BAIBLE. As Bru people are called Bible kthar that is mean Holy Bible. New Testament= SMAIKTA, OLD Testament = SMAIKCHAM. The translation by * Rev. S.K. MSHA, and his team.

Smai Kwtal

The New Testament of the Bible in Kokborok language, the dialect of the native people of Tripura was first published in 1976.

The translation team were:

• Rev. B.K. Smith, NZBMS
• Rev. Jong Bahadur Debbarma, TBCU
• Ramesh Debbarma, TBCU

Baibel Kwthar

The full Holy Bible in Kokborok language was published for the first time in 2013 by the Bible Society of India.[8]

The TBCU translation team were:

• Rev. Jong Bahadur Debbarma, CBA
• Rev. Anil Debbarma, CBA
• Rev. Nilmani Debbarma, SNBA
• Mark Debbarma, CBA
• Chitta Debbarma, SNBA
• Dn. Chitta Ranjan Debbarma, SNBA

Dan Thar

The New Testament of the Bible in (Molsom) language the dialect of the native people of Tripura. The translation team were:

• Rev.Misilkumar Molsom
• Rev.Sonabahadur Molsom
• Decon. Lalkunga Molsom
• Decon.CL.Nunhlima

Literature

Under the Tripura Baptist Christian Literature Committee and the Kokborok Christian Literature Committee (KCLC) various songbooks, tracts and study materials are regularly published by the TBCU.

Statistics

TBCU has more than 840 churches with a total communicant membership of more than 98,000.[9]

Sl. No.	Association	Churches	Members
1.	Sadar North Baptist Association (SNBA)	136	21,000
2.	Central Baptist Association (CBA)	92	6,500
3.	Udaipur Baptist Association (UBA)	77	4,100
4.	Kok Baptist Association (KOKBA)	60	3,800
5.	Amarpur Raima Sarma Baptist Association (ARSBA)/ Yarung Baptist Christian Association (YACA)	50	4,600
6.	Sabroom Baptist Association (SBA)	40	3,000
7.	Yapri Baptist Association (YBA)	33	1,900
8.	Kailasahar Baptist Christian Association (KBCA)	27	1,750
9.	Dergang Baptist Association (DBA)	24	4,100
10.	Dharmanagar Longai Baptist Association (DLBA)	23	2,000
11.	Kamalpur Baptist Association (KBA)	23	2,000
12.	Salka Baptist Association (SKBA)	23	2,100
13.	Songang Baptist Christian Association (SBCA)	12	750
14.	Jampui Sakhan Baptist Association (JSBA)	11	6,700
15.	Achik Krima (AK)
16.	Saizawm Sazai Baptist Association (SSBA)	48
17.	Hachuk Haphar Baptist Association (HHBA)

Choir group from Mandwi Baptist Circle, Sadar North Baptist Association (SNBA)

Office bearers of TBCU

Union

• General Secretary: Rev. C.K. Debbarma
• Associate General Secretary: Rev. Rantuasanga Darlong
• Secretary: Rev. Lalthanliana

Sadar North Baptist Association (SNBA)

Pastors of SNBA

1. Rev. C. K. Debbarma (General Secretary, TBCU)
2. Rev. Sukuram Debbarma (Jamilwng Pastoral Circle)
3. Rev. Ranjit Debbarma (Executive Secretary, SNBA)
4. Rev.Chandramoni Debbarma (Secretary, Sadar North Baptist Association)
5. Pro. Pastor Ranjit Debbarma (Secretary, Dakdu Pastoral Circle)
6. Rev. Biswa Kr. Debbarma (Abhicharan Pastoral Circle)
7. Evan. Brajendra (Secretary, Champaknagar Pastoral Circle)
8. Rev. Manmohan Debbarma (Secretary, SNBSB & Secretary, Khumulwng Pastoral Circle)
9. Rev. Barendra Debbarma (Shillong)
10. Rev. Samendra Debbarma

Ordained Evangelists of SNBA

1. Ord. Evan. V. Pawha (ECM Missionary)
2. Ord. Evan. Lalnunsiama (BCM Missionary)
3. Ord. Evan. Lalchungnunga (JSBA Missionary)

Evangelists of SNBA There are evangelists in SNBA.

1. Evan. Shikha Debbarma
2. Evan. Ajit Debbarma
3. Evan. Sitaram Rupini
4. Evan. Sushanta Debbarma
5. Evan. Pradip Debbarma
6. Mr. Mantu Debbarma (Office Assistant)
7. Evan Kishore Debbarma
8. Evan Bijoy Debbarma
9. Evan Ratan Debbarma
10. Evan Evan Sukuram Debbarma
11. Evan Nripendra Debbarma
12. Evan Partha Sarathi Debbarma
13. Evan Sandhyaram Debbarma
14. Evan Rajkumar Debbarma
15. Evan Mithun Rupini
16. Evan Biswajit Debbarma
17. Evan Nitya Debbarma
18. Evan Brajendra Debbarma
19. Evan Manoranjan Debbarma
20. Evan Kishore (Yarwng) Debbarma (On Training)
21. Evan Arun Debbarma
22. Evan Ajendra Debbarma
23. Evan Rwngthoma Debbarma
24. Evan Joseph Debbarma
25. Evan Manik Debbarma (on Training)
26. Evan Somchati Debbarma (On Training)
27. Evan Sunil Debbarma (On Training)
28. Evan Malendra Debbarma (On Training)
29. Evan Debojit Debbarma (On Training)
30. Evan Sachin Debbarma
31. Evan Puskumar Debbarma
32. Evan Amit Debbarma
33. Evan Bijoy (kothoma) debbarma
34. E/T John Rupini
35. E/T Siari Debbarma
36. E/T Mrs. Elemi Debbarma
37. E/T Subasish Debbarma
38. Mr. Rabindra Debbarma (Driver)

Office Staff of SNBA

1. Mr. Pitor Debbarma (Accountant)

Central Baptist Association (CBA)

Pastors of CBA The pastors of the CBA are:

1. Rev. Jong Bahadur Debbarma
2. Rev. Asit Debbarma (Retd)
3. Rev. Swapan Debbarma
4. Rev. Surajit Debbarma
5. Rev. Mohan Koloi
6. Rev. Anil Debbarma
7. Rev. Ajit Debbarma
8. Rev. Tripureswer Debbarma
9. Rev. Sambhuram Debbarma
10. Rev. Swadesh Debbarma
11. Rev. Abiram Debbarma

Ordained Evangelists of CBA

1. Ord. Evan. Aprajit Debbarma
2. Ord. Evan. Sushil Debbarma
3. Ord.Evan. Ranjit Debbarma
4. Ord.Evan. Madhab Debbarma
5. Ord.Evan. Satyaram Debbarma

Evangelists of CBA

1. Evan. Dilip Debbarma
2. Evan. Premananda Debbarma
3. Evan. Laxman Debbarma
4. Evan. Ranjan Debbarma
5. Evan. Krishna Debbarma
6. Evan. Bitta Debbarma
7. Evan. Uttam Debbarma
8. Evan. Saitya Debbarma
9. Evan. Arup Debbarma

Kok Baptist Association (KOKBA)

Pastors of KOKBA The pastors of the KOKBA are:

1. Rev. Jyotirmoy Debbarma
2. Rev. Sunil Debbarma
3. Rev. Malendra Debbarma

1. Rev. Surnapada Jamatia
2. Rev. Dharmendra Debbarma
3. Rev. Samaresh Debbarma

Ordained Evangelists of KOKBA

1. Dhiman Debbarma

Ordained Evangelists of KOKBA

1. Evan. Mangthar Debbarma
2. Evan. Ahlem Debbarma
3. Evan. Philip Rupini
4. Evan. Kishore Debbarma
5. Evan. Manoj Kumar Debbarma
6. Evan. Sanjoy Debbarma
7. Evan. Ranju Debbarma
8. Evan. Utpal Debbarma
9. Evan. Biresh Debbarma
10. Evan. Mansujit Debbarma
11. Evan pradesh Debbarma

Udaipur Baptist Association (UBA)

The pastors of the UBA are:

1. Rev. Debguru Jamatia
2. Rev. Subraihamjak Jamatia
3. Rev. Chandra Bahadur Jamatia

Ordained Evangelists of UBA

1. Ord. Evan. Imangrai Jamatia
2. Ord. Evan. Abraham Jamatia
3. Ord. Evan. Uttam Kr. Jamatia
4. Ord. Evan. Phaijak Jamatia

Evangelists of UBA

1. Evan. Jiban Barma Jamatia
2. Evan. Swlaijak Jamatia
3. Evan. Nabin Chandra Jamatia
4. Evan. Swapan Jamatia
5. Evan. Bijoy Kumar Jamatia
6. Evan. Bipad Sadhan Jamatia
7. Evan. Baibel Kalai

List of churches affiliated to TBCU

Sadar North Baptist Association (SNBA)

Abhicharan Baptist Pastoral Circle

Kisong (1973) Dofidar (1977) Rajghat (1977) Durga Choudhury Kami (1982) Abhicharan (1983)*

Wala Kami (1983) Lefunga (1987) Sadhiram (1988) Kainta Kwpra (1990) Habildar (1990)

Twisa Kwthang (1992) Mokam (1993) Bokjur (2002) Twisa Kwchang (2006) Rojong (2006)

Kumaribil (2006) Phota Kami (2007) Raikanai (2008) Raj Chantai (2010) Kanto Kwpra (2010) Maikhor (2012)

Borkathal Baptist Pastoral Circle

Debra (1978) Boiragi (1980) Borkathal (1986) Doigola (1987) Belphang (1987)

Bargachia (1988) Khwichang (1988) Patni (1989) Yacharai (1991) Tokmakari (1994)

Hathai Kwchang (2005) Chakhuma (2006) Khampar (2007) Bag Kami (2008) Radhanagar (2008)

Salka (2010) Dugurai Urua Kami (2012) Twibru

Champaknagar Baptist Pastoral Circle

Khamting (1971) Bhrigudas (1977) Joynagar (1988) Jangalia (1988) Goyacharan (1989) Kulang Thagu (2013)

Sobhamani (1990) Sinai Kami (1991) Maharam Sardar (1993) Hamari (1993) Rasu (1994) Rangking

Sarat Sardar (1995) Roktia (1997) Debra (1999) Lalit Mohan (1999) Chokhreng (2003) Borduar

Waraitwisa (2004) Duranta (2005) Uakjara (2005) Chandra Sadhu (2006) Immanuel (2007)

Mang Kanto (2008) Rabicharan Thakur (2010) Nareng (2010) Thastwi Hatai (2011) Sambhusadhu (2012)

Dakdu Baptist Pastoral Circle

Binon Kwpra (1975) Bhuban Chantai (1979) Madhab (1980) Sonamoni Sipai (1983) New Testament (1984)

Boidya Kwpra (1986) Ramchandra (1990) Sibram (1998) Sridam Kwpra (1999) Chamathwi (2007)

Sikwrai Kwpra (2007) Badramisip (2008) Thang Kami (2008) Lamkwthar (2010) Burakha (2010)

Aitorma Kha Kwtal (2014) Boirwng

Hezamara Baptist Pastoral Circle

Hezamara (1994) Garing Kami (1994) Shankhola (1995) Doldoli (1998) Chandranath (2003)

Hasing Auar (2005) Matia (2006) Sonaram Industry (2008) Twisa Kuphur (2009) Bargatha (2010)

Ganthalwng Dagia

Jamilwng Baptist Pastoral Circle

Bagbari (1978) Bhati Fatik Cherra (1987) Agartala City (1988) Singlwng (1990) Gangalwng (1993)

Jamilwng (1995) Kami Kwtal (1997) Hamari (2003) Khakotor (2004) Sipai (2006)

Khampar kami (2008) Pohor (2009) Gamsa Kwpra (2010) Naran Kami

Khumulwng Baptist Pastoral Circle

Kalasati (1976) Zion (1983) Dashram (1985) Joygobind (1986) Khutamura (1987)

Khakchangma (1988) Sukia Kwpra (1988) Muichingor (1990) Chhoigoria (1990) Birchandra (1996)

Bardhaman Thakur (1997) Khumulwng (1998) Rangchak (2000) Langma (2005) Dula Kwpra (2005)

Khasrang (2006) Galili (2007) Mohan Kwpra (2008) Kandra (2008) Immanuel (2010)

Bas Kwpra (2013) Rambuk (2014) Kandra

Mandwi Baptist Pastoral Circle

Thaiplok Phang (1977) Manikung (1978) Matham (1983) Mandwi (1986) Udai Kwpra (1987)

Bishram (1989) Khengrai (1989) Sat Para (1996) Nepal Mura (1996) Naba Chandra (1997)

Begram (1999) Lakhan Kwpra (2000) Bethel (2000) Baludum (2005)

Hachwk Madhab (2007) Kanta Kobra (2009) Nolbogola (2009) Dondra (2015)

Kherengbar (2010) Chhoigoria (2010) Chairgoria (2013) Emau (2013) Bokhiri (2013)

Central Baptist Association (CBA)

Bishramganj Baptist Pastoral Circle

Borkur (1960) Morgang (1970) Ramnagar (1974) Amtali (1979) Herma (1989) Rangmala (1991) Golirai (1991) Sutarmura (1992) Bishramganj (1994) Twichang (1995)

Latia Chharra (1996) Pagli (2000) Monai Khar (2000) Hirapur (2000) Twibokhorok (2001) Sreehari (2001) Tokturma (2001) Jagukhar (2002) Nukhung Rasa (2002) Hathai Kwchak (2003)

Santaram (2006) Chikan Chhara (2007) Maharam

• Rangchak

City Baptist Pastoral Circle

City (2001) Modhupur (2006)

Gabardi Baptist Pastoral Circle

Dundrai (1989) Shyamnagar (1990) Jong (1992) Berja (1993) Bethel (1995) Bharat Sardar (2006) Ramgati (2006) Sambhu Charan (2006) Bahumani (2006) Salom (1996) Kanchanmala (1997)

Khabaksa (2000) Pohor (2000) Gabardi (2001) Konai (2005) Dhukhia Kwpra (2006) Hari Mangal (2006) Satukura (2007) Harihari (2008) Ramanadh (2008) Khama Berjo (2008)

Kha Swrang (2008) Dhupchara (2010) Hari Jamadar (2005) Bhabania

Jampui Baptist Pastoral Circle

Morgang East (1979) Nabasardar (1987) Gahiram (1988) Gurudayal (1988) Boiragi (1989) Thelakung (1990) Bahatur (1993) Jampuijala Block (1997) Jelua (2002) Jampui Hati (2003) Getsimani (2005)

Muitu (2006) Twisarangchak (2006) Sombar Hati (2006) Suarikhola (2006) Muni Chandra (2007) Ram Sardar (2007) Saka Nimai (2008) Twithaiplok (2008) Sankatram (2008)

3 No Colony (2009)

Takarjala Baptist Pastoral Circle

Kamichang (1986) Takarjala (1986) Ganjamara (1987) Pekuarjala (1990) Bokhri (1994) Kandram (1998) Sampaijak (1998) Phantok (1999) Twijlang (1999) Jangalia (2002)

Paliabanga (2005) Thastwi (2005) Gangahari (2005) Kherthakur (2007) Debendra (2008) Hiramanta (2009) Nazareth (2009) Khakwtal (2009) Arjun Thakur (2008) Bethlehem (2010)

Bethany

Udaipur Baptist Association (UBA)

Amarpur Baptist Pastoral Circle

Dulukma (1980) Nograi (1988) Bangphur (1988) Khakchang (1989) Koroimura (1990) Kasko (1990) Sesua (1990) Paithak (1992) Dugri (1992) Sonkhala (1992)

Tingoria (1995) Golgatha (1999) Horeb (1997) Twijlang (2000) Adongkha (2001) Ishra (2006) Uatok (2007) Judia (2008) Kashi Podo (2009)

Rambadra (2010) Mayunguarai (2000) Sada Raida (2007) Songang (2007) Twibaglai (2009) Gorjung(1980) Ompi Regrouping Colony (2009) Sesua Colony (2010)

Gorjung phang Khajur Raima(2018)

Marandi Baptist Pastoral Circle

Bethel (1974) Songnari (1987) Immanuel (1988) Gilgal (1990) Hwlwighati (1992) Twiwandal (1993) Uamlwi (1994) Sungrung (1999) Gulmura (1999)

Tiar (2000) Ruthai (2004) Twi Horchung (2005) Yapri Kwtal (2005) Ha Rangchak (2006) Mayung Twisa (2008) Tholi Bari (2008) Twichangma (2008) Twisoma (2008) Salka Twisikambuk (2009)

Laiso (2009) Monai Panthor (2010) Baso (2015) Chundul (2016) Kami kwtal(2018) Lailwng (2019)

Pitra Baptist Pastoral Circle

Kuar (1972) Singi Lwng (1974) Joying (1972) Hare (1979) Kunjomura (1979) Raio (1980) Kami Kwtal (1982) Hamari (1988) Torbang (1989) Saimarua (1992)

Salem (1992) St. John's (1993) Khakchang (1996) Kuar Khampar (1997) Langma (1997) Khumulwng (1997) Maikrwisa (1997) Thaipong Hathai (2002) Kha Kuphur (2007)

South Yalwkma (2008) Yalwkma Borchuk Hathai (2019)

Kok Baptist Association (KOKBA)

Chandranath (1974) Pointram (1979) Gorjung (1980) Moglam (1980) Gwngrai (1981) Jiten (1982) Madharam (1984) Anath Chowdhury (1985) Belchara (1988) Ghilatoli (1989)

Basanta Kobra (1990) Khakchangma (1990) Maharani (1991) Thagur (1991) Chhanlwng (1992) Dophidar (1993) Gairing (1994) Sumanta (1994) Tagla (1994) Bathaka (1994)

Chargoria (1994) Khowai Town (1994) Mosok Kami (1995) Bokomnia (1996) Yakhrai (1998) Bishnu Ram Sipai (1999) Mudilenga (1999) Lampra (2001) Monaikhor (2002)

Kami Kwchar (2002) Uahlwng (2002) Bolitali (2003) Tulasikhor (2003) Behalabari (2003) Capital (2003) Haruaktali (2004) Twisa rangchak (2005) Baikuntho (2006) Balua (2006)

Goyamphang (2006) Nisan (2007) Manik Chowdhury (2007) Athuk Twisa (2007) Mwtai Kami (2007) Naithok (2007) Tingaria (2007) Marchaduk (2007) Khaswrang (2008) Akhara (2009)

Ampura (2009) Thailik Bwlwng (2009) Jalai Twisa (2009) Petra Kami (2009) Mayung kwthwi (2009) Tokchaya (1988) Sipai Hour (1992) Padmabil (2006) Harepkuar (2004) Mungia (1996) Bidhyabil (1990)

Saisawm Sazai Baptist Association

Pastor circles

• Gongrai Circle
• Gamagur Circle
• Kamlachora Circle
• Dewanchhora Circle

Gongrai Pastor Circle Gongrai (1968) Bijoynandi Bethlehem Olive Tangpui Bethel Thelakung Sonarai Darkhai Tuichakma Dhuptoli Tulamura Dailonga Bethesda Dewanchhora Pastor Circle Raio Dewanchhora Zawlkhaw Sonkhola Dak Darjiling Tutu Molsom Twibaklai Lailak Fellowship Gamagur Pastor Circle Gamagur Eloi S.Colony Nelsi Marva Sonkhola Twisarangkwchak IBC Robokva Lungphun Barmachhora Donlekha Montang Tuicholong Zion Kamlachora Pastor Circle Kamlachora Raipasa Hawaibari (1924) Monafa Donchhora Tuikoinek Rangamura Carmel Kalazari Maskumbir SSBA pastors Rev.Porimol Kaipeng (ES) Rev.Sidhantorai Molsom Rev.Dumbumuni Hrangkhawl O/E Neilutlian Kaipeng O/E Lalpanliana Molsom SSBA workers Dulirai Molsom Mosia Molsom Chondrolal Molsom Vanlalnghaka Kuki Romedas Molsom Temlongir Hrangkhawl Joykumar Kaipeng David Lalthangliana Kaipeng Purnibasi Molsom Controversies The state government of Tripura accused the organization of lending support to separatist NLFT rebels.[10] The Government of Tripura uncovered evidence asserting that the Baptist Church in Tripura had been helping Tripuri militants, such as the NLFT in the state. The NLFT militants, who are involved in armed struggle for the independence of Tripura, and the creation of a "Christian state",[11] have been forcing local tribals to convert to Christianity at gunpoint and threatening to murder participants in Hindu festivals.[10][12][13] It is believed that as many as 5,000 tribal villagers were converted in this fashion over two years.[12] These forcible conversions to Christianity, sometimes including the use of "rape as a means of intimidation," have also been noted by academics outside of India.[14] The government accused the Baptist Church of Tripura for supporting this violent campaign of NLFT by providing funding and arms for the group. In April 2000, Nagmanlal Halam, Secretary of the Noapara Baptist Church in Tripura, was caught with a large quantity of explosives which were meant for the group. Halam later confessed to buying and supplying explosives to the NLFT for the past two years. Another church official, Jatna Koloi, was arrested in south Tripura in April 2000. According to the State Police, Mr Koloi had received training in guerrilla warfare at an NLFT base in 1999.[10] See also Tripuri people Sadar North Baptist Association Christianity in Tripura Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India List of Christian denominations in North East India St Paul's School, Agartala References "Indian Member Bodies". Asia Pacific Baptist Federation. Retrieved 11 May 2016. "Baptist World Alliance - Home". bwanet.org. Retrieved 6 June 2014. "Regional Christian Councils". nccindia.in. Retrieved 6 June 2014. "Baptist World Alliance - Statistics". bwanet.org. Retrieved 7 July 2017. Origin and Growth of Christianity in Tripura (Sukhendu Debbarma, 1996) Debbarma, S. (1996). Origin and Growth of Christianity in Tripura: With Special Reference to the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society, 1938-1988. Indus Publishing Company. ISBN 9788173870385. "SaintPaulsSchool.com is for Sale! @ DomainMarket.com". saintpaulsschool.com. Retrieved 6 June 2014. "Tranzsend - tranzsend - New Zealand Baptists in Global Mission". tranzsend.org.nz. Archived from the original on 4 November 2013. Retrieved 6 June 2014. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 27 June 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2015.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) BWA Statistics "Church backing Tripura rebels". BBC News. 18 April 2000. Adam, de Cordier, Titeca, and Vlassenroot (2007). "In the Name of the Father? Christian Militantism in Tripura, Northern Uganda, and Ambon". Studies in Conflict and Terrorism. 30 (11): 963. doi:10.1080/10576100701611288.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) rediff.com: Tribals unite against conversions in Tripura "Separatist group bans Hindu festivities". BBC News. 2 October 2000. Adam, de Cordier, Titeca, and Vlassenroot (2007). "In the Name of the Father? Christian Militantism in Tripura, Northern Uganda, and Ambon". Studies in Conflict and Terrorism. 30 (11): 965, 966, 967. doi:10.1080/10576100701611288.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) External links www.christiantbcu.org/en/tbcu Website of TBCU Baptist World Alliance baptist.org.nz "www.shareanopportunity.org - Internet Archive Wayback Machine". Archived from the original on 7 August 2002. Retrieved 6 June 2014.