How ABA Was Formed

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even during chal- lenging circumstances, there is a greater purpose and a hope-filled future. The formation of the Aimol Baptist Association (ABA) reflects how Almighty God guided the Aimol people towards hope and a brighter future in their spiritual journey. The people of Aimol em- braced Christianity in the year 1924, which resulted in significant changes in both their social and religious life.

There are six (6) indigenous cognate tribes in Manipur, namely:

1. Aimol
2. Chiru
3. Kharam
4. Kom
5. Koren
6. Purum

These six indigenous tribes remained together for a long period under the Christian ministry platform known as the Kom Rem Baptist Churches Association (KRBCA) since 1957. Although they are kindred indigenous tribes, each possesses its own distinct culture, traditions, customs, and sentiments. Therefore, they have been separately recognized as indigenous Scheduled Tribes (ST) of Manipur, India, since 1956.

 Chronology  of ABA (Aimol  Baptist Association )

The following is the chronology of how the Aimol Baptist Asso- ciation (ABA) came into existence in 2003.

1. Formation of Aimol Sports Club (ASC)

In the early part of 1955, a group of intellectuals among the Ai- mol people pioneered the formation of an organization known as the Aimol Sports Club (ASC), with the objective of promoting social uplift- ment, culture, education, games and sports, and the protection of cultural heritage.

The pioneers of ASC were:

1. S. Korsan of Satu Village – President
2. C Pashua of Tampak Village – Secretary
3. Rangeitian of Chingnunghut Village
4. B. Ruineireng of Chandonpokpi Village
5. K Chingkham of Chingnunghut Village
6. Shumkhoreng of Chingnunghut Village
7. Kholianchung of Chingnunghut Village

The first annual meeting of the organization was held in 1956 at Ai- mol Satu Village in which (L) Pu Rev. Sumkholian Serto generously donated a winning trophy for the Meet. 

2. Aimol Youth Club Conference (AYCC)

After functioning as the Aimol Sports Club (ASC) for ten years, a proposal was made to rename the organization as the Aimol Youth Club Conference (AYCC), considering the expansion of its activities. The organization was no longer limited to sports activities during the daytime, but also included spiritual prayer fellowship services in the evening.

Accordingly, the organization was renamed from ASC to AYCC in 1966, and the following persons were appointed as office bearers:

1. President – L. Serto
2. Vice President – Rengkhupjir
3. Secretary – Reuben
4. Assistant Secretary – S Kholianlal
5. Treasurer – L. Khupneichung

The 11th Annual Meet of AYCC was held at Chingnunghut/Khunjai Village.

2.1 Two Factions of AYCC

After functioning for seven years, the AYCC organization split into two factions in 1973. Although the exact cause remains un- known, it is largely believed that the division resulted from differ- ences of opinion among the leaders.

One faction of AYCC annual meet was held at Aimol Khunjai Village under the leadership of:

• Mr. Lalsuareng – President
• Mr. Chongeikhup – Vice President
• Mr. Waneilal – General Secretary
• Mr. Khupneichung – Vice Secretary

The other faction annual meet was held at Aimol Khullen Village un- der the leadership of: 

• Mr. Rengkhupjir – President
• Mr. Rengsiatlian – Vice President
• Mr. Reuben – Secretary
• Mr. Selangki – Joint Secretary
• Mr. Theichareng – Assistant Secretary
• Mr. Alianeng – Treasurer

The annual meetings of both factions continued from time to time for approximately six to seven years. The people of Aimol joined either organization according to their choice. 

3. Aimol Tampak Constituency Students Organization

During the same period, another organization known as the Aimol Tampak Constituency Students Organization was formed in 1973 through the initiative of Mr. M. Wanlallian, Mr. Ringneingir, Mr. Ruisu- abum, and Mr. Ruisualua. However, the organization was short-lived and eventually became inactive. 

4. Joint Good Friday

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10

While the Aimol people were facing internal conflicts and iden- tity-related issues, the Lord continued to provide a better plan and hope for their future.

During that period, some proactive spiritual leaders proposed the organization of a “Joint Good Friday” gathering so that all church leaders could come together on a common platform. The proposal was finalized, and Mr. Lt. Rengkhupchung of Aimol Khullen Village and Mr. Sh. Mangi of Aimol Satu Village were appointed as Chairman and Secretary of the organization respectively.

The first “Joint Good Friday” gathering was held in 1973 at Ai- mol Khullen Baptist Church. This joint celebration spiritually united the Aimol people despite their differences in other matters, and it continued until 1977.

5. Aimol Youth Conference (AYC)

The exact circumstances under which the “Joint Good Friday” gathering was renamed as the Aimol Youth Conference (AYC) are not clearly known. However, the change in nomenclature from “Joint Good Friday” to AYC was intended to promote unity within society in social, cultural, and traditional aspects, as well as to normalize differ- ences and misunderstandings regarding identity issues among the Ai- mol people.

In 1977:

• Mr. L. Wanpu of Aimol Tampak was appointed as the first Presi- dent
• Mr. S. Sangkaireng of Aimol Chingnunghut was appointed as the first Secretary of AYC

Taking the formation year of the Aimol Sports Club in 1955 as the base year, the Silver Jubilee of the Aimol Youth Conference (AYC) was celebrated in 1980 at Aimol Satu Village under the leadership of:

• Mr. S. Lanu – President
• Mr. K. Khoichung – General Secretary

Over the many years of celebrating the Aimol Youth Conference (AYC), a variety of programmes, including games and sports, song competitions, and Bible recitation contests, were organized during the day. The evenings programs in the conference were dedicated to spiritual fellowship services, during which sermons and mes- sages were delivered by various eminent leaders of KRBCA and others. Among those spiritual leaders, worthy of special mention were the late Rev. Pu Sumkholian Serto, the late Rev. Pu T.D. Jampi, and the late Rev. Pu Lianeithang, whose ministries greatly enriched the spiritual lives of the Aimol people. 

6. Aimol Baptist Churches Fellowship (ABCF)

As stated earlier, the Aimol Youth Conference (AYC) had been celebrated for many years with the objective of fostering unity within society. Although the main activities included games, sports, and church fellowship services, various difficulties and challenges fre- quently arose.

In February 1988, the Aimol Youth Conference (AYC) was held at Unapal Village and hosted by Unapal Baptist Church under the lead- ership of:

• Mr. Ringneingir of Kumbirei Village – President
• Late Mr. Waneilal of Chingnunghut Village – General Secretary

Before the conclusion of the conference, a new leadership was elected:

• Mr. L. Sopa of Unapal Village – President 
• Mr. S.L. Darengthui of Khullen Village – Secretary

Following the election of the new office bearers, the assembled members unanimously adopted the following resolution.

The following statement was recorded in the register book at the time of the formation of ABCF on 28 February 1988:

“The people of Aimol gathered and participated under the organi- zation of the Aimol Youth Conference (AYC) for a long period of time, where activities included not only games and sports but also spiritual programs during the evening sessions. However, satisfactory progress in spiritual activities could not be achieved due to conflicts and heated arguments among teams and individuals during games and sports. In fact, most people gave greater importance only to sports during the gatherings. On this occasion, the late Rev. Pu Sumkholen Serto was in- vited as the speaker. After careful consideration, he along with the AYC leaders in the presence of congregation decided the following:

1. All physical activities, including games and sports of AYC, should be entrusted to the Aimol Students Union Manipur (ASUM).
2. Religious programs will be organised every year by the new name Aimol Baptist Churches Fellowship (ABCF), under KRBCA
3. The meet/ fellowship will be skipped of that year only if it collided with any important KRBCA- related pro- grams.

Hence, for the purpose of strengthening love and unity, and to achieve spiritual progress, the Aimol Baptist Churches Fellowship (ABCF) was formed on 28 February 1988 at Unapal Baptist Church.”

Elected Leaders of ABCF:

1. 1988-1089:
i. K. Leivon – Chairman – Chingnunghut Baptist Church
ii. Lele Chaithu – Recording secretary – Tampak Baptist Church

2. 1990-1992:
B. Thangsolo – Chairman – Khullen Baptist Church
ii. S. Sangkaireng – Recording Secretary – Chingnunghut Baptist Church

7. Formation of Aimol Baptist Association (ABA)

On 15 January 2003, the annual assembly meeting of the Aimol Baptist Churches Fellowship (ABCF) was held at Unapal Baptist Church during the chairmanship of Mr. Sh. Theichareng of Aimol Khodamphai Village.

During the assembly meeting, an agenda regarding the for- mation of the Aimol Baptist Association was adopted. After detailed discussions among the delegates of all churches present, and after considering the possible advantages and challenges that could arise

in the future, it was unanimously resolved to separate from its parent association, namely the Kom Rem Baptist Churches Association (KRBCA), and establish a new association under the name:  Aimol Baptist Association (ABA.

The main reasons for establishing a separate association were as follows:

i. The Aimol community was formally included in the list of recognized Scheduled Tribes via Notification No. 2477 on October 29, 1956, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

 

ii. The Aimol tribe has been officially recognized as an in-digenous tribe of Manipur, India, since 1956. The tribe possesses its own distinct dialect (language), customs, culture, and traditions which need to be promoted and develop with changing times. Therefore, the Aimol community fulfils the eligibility criteria under the Rules and Regulations of the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) for forming an independent association.

 

iii. There had long been a strong aspiration among the Ai-mol people for the use of hymnal songs and the Bible written in their own dialect. This would help overcome the inconveniences and difficulties caused by the use of hymnal songs and the Bible written in the languages of other tribes, particularly during church services and fel-lowship meetings.

Accordingly, Rev. Kh. Chingnungsan of Aimol Tampak Village was appointed as the first Executive Secretary of the Aimol Baptist Association (ABA) on 25 February 2003.

In the same year, the authority of Aimol Ngairong Village thoughtfully and prayerfully donated approximately 0.07 acres of land located at the western boundary of the village playground for the establishment of the ABA Office. Consequently, Aimol Ngairong became the centre of ABA, and its head office was established there.

On 28 February 2003, the Blessing Day of ABA was observed at the ABA Head Office Centre in Ngairong Village. The blessing ceremony was graced by Rev. D.D. Haokip – General Secretary, KBC and

• Rev. W. Roel – MYNBA
• Rev. W. Moses – MNBCA
• Gideon – CBA
• Morung Chana – TrNBA
• Onkhomang – Superintendent Pastor, KBC Parish
  were the special invitees along with the congregation of Aimol people.

The first Aimol Baptist Association (ABA) Conference was held at Ngairong Baptist Church on 5 and 6 February 2004. During the conference, Rev. S. Prim Vaiphei unveiled the Memorial Stone(Mono- lith), while T. Sholal (God’s Servant) and Rev. Piono Pani served as speakers for the conference.

The second ABA Annual Conference was held at Aimol Khullen Baptist Church in 2005.

The activities of ABA continued for six years, from its inception in 2003 until 2008, without formal affiliation to the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), which serves as the apex body of Baptist Associa- tions in Manipur State. During this period, executive staff, assembly staff, sub-committees, and other necessary officials required for the functioning of the Association were appointed.

In 2009, with due permission from the Manipur Baptist Conven- tion (MBC), three delegates from the Aimol Baptist Association at- tended the 164th MBC Executive Council-cum-28th Annual Assembly held at Mao Songsong Baptist Church. The delegates were:

1. a) Lanu Sopa of Unapal Baptist Church – Assembly President, ABA
2. b) K. Khoichung of Aimol Khullen Village – Convenor, ABA Affiliation

Demand Committee

1. c) S.K. Siakneireng of Unapal Village – Secretary, ABA Affiliation Demand Committee

The delegates submitted a memorandum seeking approval for the Aimol Baptist Association (ABA) to the MBC. 

Accordingly, the then General Secretary of MBC, Late Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, presented the memorandum during the Assembly Meeting. After thorough deliberation on the matter, the congregation unanimously approved and recognized ABA as a separate association from the Kom Rem Baptist Churches Association (KRBCA).

Thus, the Aimol Baptist Association was officially recognized by the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) and became the 29th As-sociation affiliated with MBC with effect from 5 February 2009 vide MBC No. EC/164/2009/01 & AS/28/2009 respectively. 

On 24 April 2009, Late Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, the then Gen- eral Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), formally in- augurated the Aimol Baptist Association (ABA) at the ABA Centre, Ai- mol Ngairong Village, in the presence of Mingthing (Assembly Presi- dent, MBC), Rev. Kh Chingnungsan (Executive Secretary, ABA), his staff, and the congregation of the Aimol people. 

8. Aimol Baptist Christian Centenary Celebration:

The year 2024 marked a momentous and historic milestone for the Aimol Christian community as the Aimol Baptist Christian Cen- tenary Celebration was solemnly and joyfully observed on 18th De- cember 2024 under the theme “Darkness to Light”. The celebration commemorated one 100 Years of Christianity among the Aimol peo- ple since the first acceptance of the Christian faith in 1924. The cen- tenary programme was celebrated with great spiritual fervour, cul- tural unity, and heartfelt thanksgiving to Almighty God for His faith- fulness and abundant blessings throughout the century. Church lead- ers, believers, pioneers’ descendants, and invited guests from differ- ent places gathered together in praise and worship, remembering the sacrifices, dedication, and unwavering faith of the early Christian pioneers whose commitment laid the strong spiritual foundation for the present generation.

9. Blessing Prayer of ABA by KRBCA:

The Blessing Prayer of  Aimol Baptist Association  (ABA) by Kom- Rem Baptist Churches Association (KRBCA) was held successfully on

16th February 2026 with the theme, “Be A Blessing” taken from

Genesis 12:2. The spiritually uplifting programme highlighted the bib- lical calling of believers to become a blessing to others through love, faith, and dedicated service to God. Church leaders, pastors, and members from different churches participated in the occasion with heartfelt prayers and fellowship. The programme reflected mutual re- spect, unity, and Christian brotherhood between KRBCA and ABA while seeking God’s continued blessings, wisdom, and strength for the future growth and ministry of the Association. 

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