Kuki Church leaders killed in Manipur ambush, NH-2 blocked amid rising tension
Three church leaders belonging to the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were shot dead and several others injured after unidentified armed men ambushed their vehicles in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, triggering fresh tension in the region.
The victims were identified as former Manipur Baptist Convention General Secretary Rev. V Sitlhou, Rev. V Kaigoulun, and Pastor Paogoulen. According to reports, the church leaders were travelling in two vehicles from Churachandpur district to Kangpokpi after attending a TBA conference in Lamka when the attack took place.
At least five others sustained injuries in the ambush and are currently undergoing treatment. The injured include Rev. SM Haopu, Rev. Hekai Simte, Rev. Paothang, and two drivers identified as Lelen and Goumang.
Police officials said the incident occurred midway between the villages of Kotlen and Kotzim. Following the attack, authorities imposed an immediate blockade on National Highway-2, a key route connecting Manipur with Nagaland and other northeastern states.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur district, announced an indefinite emergency shutdown from Wednesday afternoon, condemning the killings and alleging failure by security agencies to prevent attacks by armed groups. Essential services including medical emergencies, media operations, electricity supply, and religious functions have been exempted from the shutdown.
Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, strongly condemned the killings and termed the ambush a “barbaric attack” on unarmed church leaders and civilians. The organisation noted that Rev. V Sitlhou had recently participated in peace-building initiatives with the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum in Kohima aimed at promoting reconciliation between communities.
KIM urged the Centre to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Security has been tightened in Kangpokpi and nearby Kuki-Zo inhabited areas following the attack.
