Three Kuki church leaders killed in ambush in northern Manipur's Kangpokpi

The victims were members of the Thadou Baptist Association and were returning from a conference in Churachandpur district when the attack took place.

The deceased were identified as Rev. V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Rev. V. Kaigoulun and Pastor Paogoulen.

Sources said at least five others were injured and were undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The injured were identified as Rev. S.M. Haopu, Rev. Hekai Simte, Rev. Paothang, and two drivers, Lelen and Goumang.

According to reports, the group was travelling in two vehicles and was returning to Kangpokpi from Lamka in Churachandpur district after attending a conference organised by the Thadou Baptist Association.

Unidentified armed men reportedly attacked the vehicles midway through the journey.

NH-2 blocked after ambush

Following the killings, protesters imposed an immediate blockade on National Highway-2, a key route linking Manipur with Nagaland and the rest of the country.

The incident also heightened tension in Kangpokpi and other Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.

Michael Lamjathang Thadou, a Thadou leader and spokesperson of the BJP in Manipur, expressed grief over the killings.

He described the incident as a terrorist attack and said the Thadou community had suffered significantly during the ongoing unrest in Manipur.

Indefinite shutdown

The Kuki Students' Organisation announced an emergency indefinite shutdown from 12:30 pm on Wednesday.

The organisation condemned what it described as a heinous ambush and alleged that state law enforcement agencies had failed to contain armed groups operating in the region.

It exempted medical services, media operations, electricity supply and religious ceremonies from the shutdown.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur strongly condemned the killings, calling them a cowardly and barbaric ambush on church leaders and civilians.

The organisation said Rev. V. Sitlhou had recently taken part in peace initiatives with the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum in Kohima.

Kuki Inpi Manipur said the killing of unarmed church leaders was a direct blow to ongoing reconciliation efforts and urged the Government of India to order a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.