IMPHAL, MAY 13 (PTI/AGENCIES): Three church leaders were killed and four others injured after suspected militants ambushed two vehicles in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, police said.
The incident occurred between Kotzim and Kotlen villages when members of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were returning from Churachandpur after attending a religious congregation.
Among those killed were former Manipur Baptist Convention general secretary Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen and Pastor Paogoulen, police said.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killings, describing them as “senseless acts of violence” that threaten ongoing efforts to restore peace in the violence-hit state.
He said three of the injured were admitted to Shija Hospitals and Research Institute in Imphal. The chief minister, along with deputy chief minister Losii Dikho and home minister Govindas Konthoujam, visited the injured at the hospital.
“The state government will bear all medical expenses for the injured, and I have directed the authorities to ensure they receive the highest standard of care,” Singh stated.
Calling the incident “deeply troubling and devastating”, Singh said the attack had disrupted Manipur’s gradual return to normalcy and reiterated that there could be “no justification for acts of terrorism in any society.”
He appealed to all communities to maintain restraint and refrain from emotional reactions. Singh also urged people to stop abductions, hostage-taking and intimidation on community lines, warning that such actions would further aggravate the situation.
“Our resolve to fight against terrorism is unshakable,” he said, while assuring that all resources of the state would be used to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Following the killings, a total shutdown was imposed in Kangpokpi district, with markets closed and movement of vehicles along NH-2 disrupted.
The Naga Legislators’ Forum, comprising nine Naga MLAs in the state, condemned the killings and termed the attack a “cold-blooded murder” of unarmed religious leaders. The forum also demanded the safe release of civilians allegedly detained by suspected militants near Leilon Veiphei in Kangpokpi district.
Meanwhile, Meitei organisation Arambai Tenggol denied allegations linking it to the ambush, calling the accusations “baseless and politically motivated.”
Kuki Inpi Manipur also condemned the attack and noted that Rev. Sitlhou had recently participated in a peace mission alongside the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum to promote reconciliation between Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul communities.
