Attack on church leaders in Kangpokpi sparks shutdown, highway blockade and fresh unrest in Kuki-Zo areas
At least three church leaders were shot dead and several others injured after unidentified armed men ambushed their vehicles in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, triggering fresh tension and an indefinite blockade along National Highway-2.
The deceased belonged to the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) and were identified as former Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) General Secretary Rev. V Sitlhou, Rev. V Kaigoulun and Pastor Paogoulen.
According to sources, at least five others sustained injuries in the attack and are undergoing treatment. The injured include Rev. SM Haopu, Rev. Hekai Simte, Rev. Paothang, and two drivers identified as Lelen and Goumang.
The victims were reportedly travelling in two vehicles and returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur district after attending a TBA conference in Lamka when armed assailants intercepted and attacked them midway.
Following the killings, National Highway-2, a key route connecting Manipur with Nagaland and the rest of the country, was blocked by protesters, severely disrupting movement in the region. Tension escalated across Kangpokpi and nearby Kuki-Zo inhabited areas soon after the incident.
Reacting to the attack, Thadou leader and BJP spokesperson Michael Lamjathang Thadou expressed grief and said the Thadou community has suffered heavily during the ongoing ethnic violence due to being wrongly identified as part of the Kuki group.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur district, announced an emergency indefinite shutdown from 12:30 pm on Wednesday. The organisation condemned what it described as a “heinous ambush and brutal killing” of innocent church leaders and civilians.
The KSO also alleged failure on the part of law enforcement agencies in controlling armed groups operating in the region. However, emergency medical services, media operations, electricity services and religious activities have been exempted from the shutdown.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body representing Kuki tribes, strongly condemned the killings and termed the attack a “cowardly and barbaric ambush” on unarmed church leaders.
KIM noted that Rev. V Sitlhou had recently participated in peace initiatives organised with the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) in Kohima to promote reconciliation and dialogue among communities. The organisation said the killings were a direct blow to ongoing peace efforts and demanded a thorough investigation by the Government of India to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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