Imphal, May 13: At least three church elders were shot dead and several others injured after suspected militants ambushed two vehicles carrying members of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Tuesday, triggering widespread tension and an indefinite shutdown along National Highway-2 (NH-2), the state’s key lifeline.
The deceased were identified as former Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) General Secretary Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. V. Kaigoulun, and Pastor Paogoulen.
Sources said the victims were returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur district after attending a TBA conference in Lamka when unidentified armed assailants opened fire on their convoy between Kotzim and Kotlen areas.
At least five others sustained injuries in the attack and are undergoing treatment. The injured reportedly include Rev. SM Haopu, Rev. Hekai Simte, Rev. Paothang, and two drivers identified as Lelen and Goumang.
The killings sparked outrage across Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, with the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur District, announcing an emergency indefinite shutdown from 12:30 pm on Tuesday.
Protesters also imposed a blockade along NH-2, severely affecting movement on the highway that connects Manipur to Nagaland and the rest of the country.
In a statement, the KSO condemned the attack as a “heinous ambush and brutal killing of innocent TBA Church leaders” and blamed the failure of state law enforcement agencies to curb armed violence in the region. Essential services, including medical emergencies, electricity, media operations, and religious ceremonies, were exempted from the bandh.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, also strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “cowardly and barbaric ambush” targeting unarmed church leaders and civilians.
KIM noted that Rev. V. Sitlhou had recently participated in peace initiatives with the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) in Kohima aimed at promoting reconciliation and inter-community understanding.
Calling the killings a direct attack on ongoing peace efforts, the organisation urged the Government of India to launch an immediate and thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio strongly condemned the killings, calling the attack on the Kuki church leaders “barbaric violence against innocent lives.”
“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,” Rio said in a statement, while expressing condolences to the bereaved families and the church community.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma also condemned the attack, saying he was “deeply disturbed and anguished” by the incident.
“Such acts of unprovoked violence and brutality against leaders who work to foster peace, unity, and brotherhood are unacceptable and must be strongly condemned,” Sangma said, urging the Manipur authorities to take immediate and strict action against those responsible.
Following the attack, massive reinforcement of security forces was reportedly rushed to the area, while authorities intensified operations amid fears of further escalation.
The incident has further heightened tensions in Manipur’s hill districts, where ethnic violence and sporadic attacks have continued to disrupt normalcy.
