Unidentified gunmen ambushed two vehicles carrying Thadou Baptist Association members in Kangpokpi, killing three church leaders and injuring four others. The attack drew condemnation, rival allegations and shutdown calls, deepening tensions in Manipur.
At least three church leaders were killed and four others injured after unidentified armed assailants ambushed two vehicles carrying members of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, triggering widespread condemnation and fresh tensions in the violence-hit state.
The attack took place between Kotzim and Kotlen villages along the Kangpokpi–Churachandpur corridor road when the victims were returning from Churachandpur after attending a TBA conference, officials and community organisations said.
According to initial reports, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, V. Sitlhou, along with pastors Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Paogoulen Sitlhou, were killed in the ambush.
Officials said eight persons travelling in two separate vehicles came under heavy attack. Four sustained injuries, while one escaped unhurt.
The injured were identified as SM Haopu, Hekai Simte, Kaigoulun, Paothang Paogou and driver Goumang. Three of the injured were later shifted to Shija Hospital in Imphal for treatment.
Several Kuki organisations alleged that the attack was carried out by cadres suspected to be associated with the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and valley-based insurgent groups. The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) demanded immediate action against those responsible and sought ex gratia compensation, rehabilitation, and long-term support for the bereaved families.
The Kuki Zo Council (KZC) also strongly condemned the incident, stating that targeting church leaders reflected “cruelty and inhumanity” and demonstrated disregard for religious and Christian values.
Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong United Front denied involvement in the ambush. In a statement issued by its secretary for information and publicity, Louis Gangmei, the outfit condemned the killings and described the incident as an “inhumane and cowardly act”.
The organisation further claimed that there was no faction called “ZUF-Kamson” and accused operatives of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) of using the ZUF name to mislead the public and spread ethnic animosity.
The United Naga Council also condemned the attack. However, it alleged that around 20 Nagas from Konsakhul village were later held hostage by villagers from Leilon Vaiphei, purportedly in response to the incident.
In protest against the killings, the Kuki Students’ Organisation and the Zomi Students’ Federation announced an indefinite shutdown in Churachandpur district with immediate effect. Thadou organisations also imposed an indefinite shutdown along National Highway-2, the crucial Imphal–Dimapur highway.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, accompanied by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam and other legislators, visited the injured at Shija Hospital.
