Manipur joins hand in condemning dastardly killings
Source: The Sangai Express / NNN
Imphal, May 13 2026:
Condemnations have poured in from religious organisations, CSOs and legislators as three Thadou Church leaders were killed in a dastardly ambush near Kotlen village in Kangpokpi today while returning from a Church Assembly in Churachandpur district.
Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou lost their lives in the attack, while five others were injured.
AMCO
Expressing deep anguish, the All Manipur Christian Organization has strongly condemned the cold-blooded killing of Reverend V Sitlhou, president of the Thadou Baptist Association, along with two other Pastors and leaders.
AMCO described Rev Sitlhou as a former leader of AMCO and a devoted servant of God, a respected spiritual leader and a committed peacemaker.
Standing in solidarity with the affected families and communities in this painful hour, AMCO has urged both the Central and State Government to act immediately, impartially, and decisively to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
AMCO has appealed to all communities, Churches, and civil societies to reject ideas of hatred and revenge.
Naga Legislature Forum
Issuing their condemnation over the "cold-blooded murder" of unarmed and peace loving religious leaders, the Naga Legislature Forum has urged the law enforcement agencies to trace and book the culprit at the earliest.
The press release was signed by Deputy Chief Minister L Dikho; HAC Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei; Awangbow Newmai MLA 52-Tamei AC; Khasim Vashum, MLA 45-Chingai AC; Janghemlung Panmei, MLA, 53-Tamenglong AC; Leishiyo Keishing, MLA, 43-Phungyar AC; Ram Muivah, MLA, 44-Ukhrul AC; SS Olish, MLA, 41-Chandel AC and J Kumo Sha, 47-Karong AC .
Conveying their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Forum has wished speedy recovery to the injured persons.
It has further called for the safe release of both Naga and Kuki civilians who have been detained amidst escalating tensions in the hill districts.
Kuki legislators
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen and Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing have condemned the deadly ambush on Church leaders and civilians and conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the incident.
In a strongly worded condemnation, Nemcha Kipgen said such "barbaric acts of violence" only inflict pain, fear, and suffering upon innocent people and appealed to all communities to reject hatred and stand together in peace and unity.
Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen also issued a strong and unequivocal condemnation and asserted that the continuing cycle of violence must be rejected by all peace-loving people irrespective of tribe or linguistic identity.
He appealed to every community to maintain calm, uphold empathy, and resist forces seeking to fracture communal harmony during this grave hour.
Meanwhile, Kimneo Hangshing branded the attack as a cowardly, barbaric and inhuman act, maintaining that such senseless bloodshed only deepens collective pain and poses a grave threat to peace.
Demanding accountability, she urged the authorities concerned to initiate stringent and uncompromising action against the perpetrators and ensure justice is delivered without delay.
Nagaland CM
Additionally, Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio has issued a strong condemnation, stating that "such barbaric and senseless violence" against innocent lives is unacceptable and has no place in any civilised society.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Church community, and the people of Manipur during this time of grief.
He also prayed for strength and comfort for all those affected by the tragedy.
NPP
A press release issued by Conrad K Sangma, National President of the National People's Party (NPP) has extended heartfelt condolences and prayers for the eternal repose of those who lost their lives.
It has also wished a swift and full recovery to those injured in the horrific incident.
NPP has called upon the Government of India and Government of Manipur to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
It has further urged the authorities to enhance security measures to ensure the safety and protection of vulnerable communities, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
The NPP Manipur Unit has echoed similar sentiments while adding that such acts of violence aimed at undermining peace and harmony are completely unacceptable.
Conveying its condolences to the bereaved families, NPP Manipur Unit has also condemned the kidnapping of 20 Naga civilians "by an unidentified armed group" and appealed for the safe release of the hostages.
MBC
On behalf of 30 associations, 1343 Churches and 125 fellowships, the Manipur Baptist Convention has expressed its deepest sorrow and strongest condemnation over the brutal killing of Christian leaders belonging to the Thadou Baptist Association, among whom was Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, former general secretary of MBC .
MBC has called it deeply disturbing that such an inhuman act was committed despite the clear identification and nameplate being displayed on their vehicle, indicating their identity and mission.
It has extended heartfelt condolences and prayers to the bereaved families, the Churches under Thadou Baptist Association, and all those affected by this tragic incident.
It has also appealed the Government and all concerned authorities to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation, and ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.
TIM
Condemning the "terrorist attack", Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has declared Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou as "Thadou Martyrs" .
Expressing deep pain and shock over the incident, TIM has appealed to the Central and State Government to identify the perpetrators, hand them over to Central investigative agencies, thoroughly investigate the root cause of this barbaric terrorist attack, and bring all those responsible to justice.
It has also called for a decisive military crackdown on militants to eradicate armed violence from Manipur.
Other demands of TIM include permanently stopping the politics of appeasement toward radicals and perpetrators of violence and immediately stopping the killing of innocent people.
TIM has urged the authorities to take concrete and meaningful steps to heal the wounds of Manipur and bring lasting peace to Manipur.
It has demanded the perpetrators of this heinous crime to claim responsibility and state the reasons for their actions.
TNL
Expressing deep shock over the ambush on Church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association, the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long said the Tangkhul community mourns the loss and empathizes with the bereaved families, "having endured similar brutality ourselves less than a month ago" .
Amidst the tragedy, TNL WC has reminded people that the ambush took place between Kotzim and Kotlen in Kangpokpi, both of which are Kuki settlements.
Making any allegations against any group or tribes without proof or evidence, especially when the ambush occurred within Kuki-inhabited areas, is highly condemnable, it maintained.
TNL WC also condemned the abduction of twenty innocent Naga civilians from Konsakhul following the ambush and appealed for the safe and unconditional release of the hostages.
STNBA
Conveying its condolences and condemnation, the Southern Tangkhul Naga Baptist Association (STNBA) has termed the ambush a direct assault on the mission and ministry of the Church.
Raising similar calls for decisive action to deliver justice, STNBA said that attacking Church leaders is an attack on the values of humanity, faith and peace itself.
It has offered prayers to God to grant comfort, strength and healing to all those affected by this tragedy.
Former genral secretary of MBC, Rev K Losii Mao has also condemned the assassination of the three Church leaders.
AMUCO, COHR, PLMPAM, AMWOVA and MSF
In a joint press release, AMUCO, COHR, PLMPAM, AMWOVA and MSF have strongly condemned the ambush, placing blame for the same on armed terrorists who have the patronage of the Government of India.
It accused the GoI of sowing divisions between communities of Manipur and urged people to stand united before the GoI's tactics.The right way for the communities in Manipur to combat the GoI's alleged attempt to disintegrate Manipur is to co-exist, progress and face all obstacles together, said the press release.
The five organisations have offered their heartfelt condolences to the grieving families.
Others who have issued condemnations include the National People's Youth Front, National Council of Churches in India, Kuki-Zo Christian Forum, Interfaith Forum Manipur, Kuki-Zo Council, Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations, Thadou Inpi General Headquarters, Thadou Inpi Sadar Hills, Thadou Youth Association, Thadou Women Association, Thadou Students' Association and Kuki Organisation for Human Rights (KOHUR) .
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