NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency has registered a case to probe the killing of three church leaders in Manipur last month, officials said on Wednesday.
Suspected militants shot dead three members of the Thadou Baptist Association and injured four others in Kangpokpi district on May 13. The victims were returning from Churachandpur after attending a religious congregation.
According to the agency’s FIR dated June 8, armed assailants ambushed two vehicles at Zero Point between Kotzim and Kotlern while they were proceeding towards Kangpokpi.
Three individuals from the Kuki community died on the spot, while four others sustained bullet injuries.
The Manipur Police had initially registered a case on the day of the incident. Acting on directions from the Union home ministry, the NIA has taken over the investigation.
In its directive, the ministry said the case involved an ambush by armed miscreants aimed at causing loss of life and property and creating fear in society, and required an NIA probe in view of its gravity and possible wider implications.
Violence in Manipur since May 2023 between Meitei and Kuki communities has resulted in at least 260 deaths and displacement of thousands.
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