MANIPUR: THREE CHURCH LEADERS KILLED IN AMBUSH; INDEFINITE SHUTDOWN CALLED IN KUKI-ZO AREAS
MANIPUR: THREE CHURCH LEADERS KILLED IN AMBUSH; INDEFINITE SHUTDOWN CALLED IN KUKI-ZO AREAS
Digital Desk: Three senior church leaders associated with the Thadou Baptist Association, including former Manipur Baptist Convention general secretary Reverend V Sitlhou, were killed after unidentified armed assailants ambushed two vehicles in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.
The incident has triggered widespread tension and an indefinite shutdown in Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas.
The deadly attack took place near Zero Point between Kotzim and Kotlen areas along a sensitive stretch in Kangpokpi district while the victims were returning from Churachandpur district after attending a TBA conference in Lamka.
Apart from Reverend V Sitlhou, the two other deceased were identified as Reverend V Kai-gou-lun and Pastor Pao-gou-len.
Sources said at least five others sustained injuries in the firing and are currently undergoing treatment at nearby medical facilities.
The injured reportedly include Reverend SM Haopu, Reverend Hekai Simte, Reverend Paothang, and two drivers identified as Lelen and Goumang.
According to local sources, the church leaders were travelling in two vehicles when unidentified gunmen opened fire midway through the route.
Security forces later rushed to the spot and launched search operations to trace those responsible for the ambush.
The incident sparked immediate outrage across Kuki-Zo dominated areas, with an emergency shutdown imposed along National Highway-2 – a crucial route connecting Manipur with Nagaland and the rest of the country.
The Churachandpur district unit of the Kuki Students’ Organisation announced an indefinite shutdown beginning Wednesday afternoon, condemning the attack as a heinous ambush on innocent church leaders.
In a statement, the organisation accused state law enforcement agencies of failing to curb the activities of armed groups operating in the region.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body representing the Kuki tribes, condemned the killings and termed the attack a cowardly and barbaric ambush targeting unarmed religious leaders and civilians. The organisation described the killing of church leaders as a direct attack on ongoing peace efforts and appealed to the government of India to order an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio has condemned the killing of Church leaders in Manipur. Taking to social media, CM Rio said that killings were unacceptable and have no place in a civilized society. The Nagaland chief minister further extended condolences to the bereaved families and the church community.
