Guwahati: Three Kuki church leaders were killed and four others critically injured in an ambush in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday morning. The incident took place when they were travelling from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi in Manipur. The victims were part of a delegation of senior clergy to attend an inter-association ecclesiastical meeting.
The group included leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) and the United Baptist Council (UBC), led by Rev V Sitlhou, president of the TBA, along with Rev SM Haopu, Rev Hekai Simte, Rev Kaigoulun, Rev Paothang, Pastor Paogou and driver Goumang.
The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) condemned the attack, alleging involvement of NSCN-IM cadres in collusion with ZUF, and termed it a “premeditated act” targeting peace efforts.
The outfit said the clergy had been engaged in reconciliation initiatives between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities, including recent consultations in Nagaland.
One of the deceased, Vumthang Sitlhou, had previously served as the General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention. “He had recently initiated a reconciliation meeting between Kukis and Nagas in Kohima, because of the current tensions between the two communities,” said Thangtinlen Haokip, a leader of the Kangpokpi-based Committee on Tribal Unity.
Referring to this, the Kuki Inpi Manipur said in a statement, “During the meeting, Christian leaders from both communities deliberated upon peaceful coexistence, restraint, and dialogue as the only path forward amidst growing tensions. It is therefore profoundly heartbreaking and enraging that a man who dedicated himself to peace and reconciliation should fall victim to such a merciless and calculated act of violence.”
According to police, the attack took place between Kotjim and Kotlen in Kangpokpi while the group was travelling in two vehicles. A security official said that militant groups are suspected to be responsible for the attack, but that the matter is subject to investigation.
Meanwhile, Nagaland chief minister Neiphu Rio condemned the incident. “I strongly condemn the brutal killing of a delegation of Kuki church leaders in Manipur. Such barbaric violence against innocent lives is unacceptable and has no place in any civilised society. Condolences to the bereaved families and the church community during this time of grief,” he said in his social media post.
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