3 Church leaders killed in ambush at Kuki dominated area
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 13 2026: At least three Church leaders were killed, and five others sustained injuries in a deadly attack carried out by unknown armed assailants at Saheibung Peak, Zero Point, located between Kotzim and Kotlen, under the jurisdiction of New Keithelmanbi police station in Kangpokpi district, today.

The deceased have been identified as Reverend Dr Vumthang Sitlhou (former general secretary of Manipur Baptist Convention) of Taloulong Village, Kangpokpi; Reverend Kaigoulun Lhouvum of Keithelmanbi Military Colony, Kangpokpi and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou of Keithelmanbi Military Colony, Kangpokpi.

3 Church leaders killed in ambush at Kuki dominated area

Reverend Dr Vumthang Sitlhou and Reverend Kaigoulun Lhouvum were the president and finance secretary of Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) respectively while Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou was the Superintendent Pastor of TBAI IT Road/Twilang area.

Those who sustained injuries, on the other hand, are Reverend SM Haopu of Santi Veng, Kangpokpi; Reverend Hekai Simte of Motbung, Kangpokpi; Reverend Kaikhothang Singsit of Lhungjang Veng, Kangpokpi; Thangtinlen Sitlhou (driver) of Goungai Village, Kangpokpi and Lungoumang Lhouvum (driver) of Motbung, Kangpokpi.

The injured have been evacuated from the site and are currently undergoing treatment at Shija Hospital, Langol, in serious condition.

Following the killings, a total shutdown was imposed in Kangpokpi district, with angry locals forcing the closure of markets and movement of vehicles along National Highway 2 .

According to sources, a team of Church leaders travelling in two separate vehicles was returning to Kang-pokpi district from GBA Centre Church, Chieng-khopang, Churachandpur district, after attending the 1st United Baptist Convention Assembly 2026 held yesterday at the same Church.

When the vehicles reached Saheibung Peak, a Kuki-dominated area between Kotzim and Kotlen, unknown armed assailants attacked them at around 10.15 am .

In the attack, Reverend V Sitlhou, Reverend Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen were killed on the spot while five others, including the drivers of the vehicles, sustained injuries.

Upon receiving information, teams of New Keithelmanbi police, Kangpokpi police, and Central armed forces rushed to the area.

Three seriously injured individuals were evacuated to Shija Hospital, while two others with minor injuries received first aid at the site.

Those who are undergoing treatment at Shija Hospital are Thangtinlen, 38 (injured on his left thigh), Lungoumang, 26 (injured on his right shoulder and left hand) and Houpu, 50, injured on his left lower limb.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand along with Home Minister Govindas Khonthoujam and other MLAs, visited Shija Hospital to check the condition of the injured.

The Chief Minister condemned the 'terror' attack.

In a statement, Khemchand said that the State Government will bear all medical expenses of the injured.

He also stated that he has instructed the authorities to ensure the patients receive the highest standard of care.

The Chief Minister continued that this act of violence is deeply troubling and devastating not only for the families but for the entire State, as it hinders peace efforts.

"Our State is gradually moving towards peace, therefore, actions that undermine this collective effort of our people to restore normalcy are unacceptable," he added.

Saying that terrorism and senseless acts of violence which target innocent civilians and threaten peace and humanity have no room in a civilized society, Khemchand maintained that there is no justification in any society for acts of terrorism in all its forms.

"The entire State and our people stand together against such acts of terror and our resolve to fight against terrorism is unshakable", he also said.

Continuing that he is deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of precious lives due to such acts of terrorism, he appealed to all sections of society to uphold peace, show restraint and refrain from emotional responses.

Further, he urged all the people to immediately stop abductions and taking hostages and intimidations on community lines.

He assured that the Government will use every resource of the State to bring the perpetrators and their handlers to justice.

Former Chief Minister N Biren also visited the injured at Shija Hospital.