KANGPOKPI – At least three prominent church leaders were killed and several others critically injured on Wednesday morning after suspected armed militants ambushed a two-vehicle convoy in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.
The attack occurred around 10:00 AM between Kotzim and Kotlen villages along the Imphal–Tamenglong highway (also referred to locally as Tiger Road). The victims, members of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) and the United Baptist Council (UBC), were returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur after attending an ecclesiastical peace meeting and convention.
Details of the Incident
According to police sources and local reports, unidentified assailants intercepted the vehicles and opened fire indiscriminately. The victims have been identified by community organizations as:
- Rev. Dr. V. Sitlhou: President of the Thadou Baptist Association and former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention.
- Rev. Kaigoulun
- Pastor Paogoulen
Some reports indicate a fourth casualty, identified as the driver, Lelen, though official confirmation on the final death toll is still pending as medical teams treat the wounded. At least five of the injured were evacuated to Shija Hospitals in Imphal for advanced treatment.
Following the ambush, a massive combing operation was launched by security forces, including the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, to track down the perpetrators.
The incident has triggered a volatile atmosphere in the region:
- Total Shutdown: Thadou community organizations have called for an immediate “total shutdown” across the Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi district to protest the killings.
- Hostage Reports: Unconfirmed police sources have suggested that approximately 10 individuals from the Liangmai Naga community may have been held hostage in the aftermath of the attack, though officials have not yet verified these claims.
Condemnations and Allegations
The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) and the United Christian Forum of North East India (UCFNEI) have condemned the attack, describing it as a “premeditated act of terrorism” against religious leaders who were actively engaged in peace and reconciliation efforts. KOHUR has alleged the involvement of the NSCN-IM in collusion with other local outfits, though the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has already issued a statement denying any involvement.
This ambush marks one of the most significant escalations of violence in the state this year, heightening concerns over the fragile security situation in Manipur’s hill districts. Authorities are urging calm as investigations continue.
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