Civil bodies decry barbaric killing of Church leaders; demand swift justice
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 14 2026: Three Church leaders were killed and five others injured on May 13 when unidentified armed men ambushed their vehicle at Saheibung Peak, Zero Point, between Kotzim and Kotlen under New Keithelmanbi police station in Kangpokpi district.

The deceased have been identified as Reverend Dr Vumthang Sitlhou of Taloulong village, former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention and president of the Thadou Baptist Association India; Reverend Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou, both of Keithelmanbi Military Colony.

Reports said the group was returning to Kangpokpi after attending a meeting in Churachandpur when the attack took place.

Condemnations pour in The Zeliangrong Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) expressed profound shock and condemned the "cowardly and barbaric act" against religious leaders, saying such violence threatens peace, communal harmony, and the rule of law.

The Union also condemned a separate incident between Joujangtek and Longsai Village in which Wilson Thanga, was killed, while Olive Jatung Raja, and Aroma Jatuang, were injured.

It urged the Government of Manipur and security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, apprehend the perpetrators, and strengthen security in vulnerable areas, appealing to all communities to exercise restraint.

The Manipur Gorkha Welfare Union termed the killings "inhumane" and unacceptable, urging law enforcement to ensure swift justice.

It conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the recovery of the injured.

MGWU also appealed for the safe release of all civilians reportedly detained by both Naga and Kula communities.

The Naga Peoples' Initiative for Peace said it was "deeply grieved and heartbroken" by the "brutal and inhuman killing" of the three pastors, condemning the "heinous act of violence" against unarmed, peace-loving individuals.

NPIP recalled Rev Sitlhou's peace efforts and a March 21 goodwill meeting with Kuki Inpi Manipur at Kangpokpi.

It urged a "thorough, impartial, and time-bound investigation" and appealed for restraint.

The body also expressed deep concern over the alleged abduction of "20 defenceless Naga civilians" from Leilon Vaiphei village by "suspected Kuki militants" on May 13, demanding their immediate, safe release.

The United Christian Forum strongly condemned the killings and called on Central and State Governments to take corrective measures to end the unrest that began on May 3, 2023.UCF said the victims were brokering peace between Kukis and Tangkhul Nagas in Kamjong and Ukhrul districts, adding that their deaths are a "great loss for the State and the Nation" .

The Forum appreciated Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh for visiting the injured and assuring medical care.

UCF appealed for the release of 20 Nagas from Konsakhul village allegedly held hostage by residents of Leilon Vaiphei village soon after the ambush, and 23 Kuki labourers reportedly detained by locals in the same district.

UCF urged communities to stop abductions and intimidation and to coexist peacefully.

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