DIMAPUR, MAY 14 (NPN): Condemnations continued to pour in from church bodies, civil society organisations and political groups over the killing of three Thadou tribe church leaders in a suspected militant ambush in Kangpokpi district, Manipur on May 13, 2026.
The deceased were identified as Rev. V Sitlhou (former general secretary of Manipur Baptist Convention) Rev. V Kaigoulun and Pastor Paogoulen. The attack occurred when they were returning from a conference of Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) at Lamka of Churachandpur district. The incident, which also left at least seven other injured, has triggered outrage across the region, with organizations describing the killings as barbaric, inhuman and an assault on peace and humanity.
NMA: Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) strongly condemned the ambush and killing of three TBA church leaders and injuries to several others.
In a statement, NMA president Vilanuo Angela Yhome and joint secretary Vitono Haralu conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery of those injured.
The association also appealed for the safe release of hostages reportedly taken in the aftermath of the incident.
NMA urged the Government of Manipur to conduct a speedy investigation into the killings and ensure justice and accountability for those responsible.
WC, NNPGs: Working Committee (WC), Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs), under the convenorship of N. Kitovi Zhimomi, described the killing of Rev. V. Sitlhou and members of TBA team as “heinous” and “cold-blooded murder.”
WC through its media cell said the attack went against the core principles of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence and termed it one of the most barbaric acts committed against church leaders in the region.
Stating that no group had claimed responsibility so far, WC, NNPGs said the act reflected “wickedness” and prayed that the bloodshed would not lead to revenge or further violence.
It also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery to the injured.
WC, NNPG: Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPG) has termed the attack on Thadou Christian missionaries as “purely satanic” and beyond normal human comprehension.
The committee through its media cell said that any group bold enough to commit such murders should also be prepared to openly claim responsibility rather than hide behind secrecy. It warned communities not to fall into attempts aimed at provoking larger inter-community conflict in the region.
WC, NNPG also urged authorities to conduct a thorough and urgent probe and appealed to all communities not to shelter or support those involved in the killings.
Akato-led NSCN (R): NSCN (Reformation) led by Akato Chophi also strongly condemned the attack.
In a statement issued through its MIP, the group described the killing of church leaders as “unimaginable and outrageous” and said targeting innocent church members was an act of cowardice.
It further compared the perpetrators to extremist groups that spread terror through intimidation, threats and killings. The group warned that such actions would never go unpunished through divine justice.
The organization extended solidarity and condolences to the bereaved families and urged them to remain strong in faith.
KIN: Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN) condemned what it termed a “cowardly, barbaric and tragic” ambush that killed three respected church leaders, including Rev. V. Sitlhou, and injured several others.
KIN said the deliberate targeting of religious leaders and civilians was not only an attack on human life but also on hopes for peace and coexistence in the region.
The organization called upon the law enforcement agencies to conduct an immediate, impartial and thorough investigation and ensure that all those responsible were identified and prosecuted.
KIN also appealed to CSOs, church leaders and communities to reject violence and work towards peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and restraint.
NBPU: Nagaland Baptist Pastors’ Union (NBPU) has expressed deep sorrow, shock and strong condemnation over the brutal killing of church leaders belonging to TBA in Manipur.
In a statement, NBPU president Rev. Dr. Mongzeung Mpom said the innocent servants of God were mercilessly attacked while returning from a Christian gathering, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries to others.
“As pastors and servants of Christ, we denounce all forms of violence, hatred, intimidation and bloodshed against innocent civilians and religious leaders,” NBPU said.
The union said killing of innocent church leaders was not only an attack on humanity but also an assault on the sacred values of peace, dignity and brotherhood taught by our Lord Jesus Christ.
NBPU expressed deep disturbance over the growing climate of fear and violence in the region, stating that targeting Christian leaders at a time when peace and reconciliation were urgently needed was heartbreaking and unacceptable.
The union extended condolences to the bereaved families, TBA and all those affected.
It appealed to all communities, civil bodies, churches and authorities to pursue justice through lawful and peaceful means and avoid actions that could fuel further violence.
NBPU urged the responsible authorities to conduct a fair and transparent investigation to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
LBCA: Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) expressed grief and unequivocally condemned the militant attack that killed three church leaders and critically injured several others.
In a statement, LBCA president Rev. S. Rentsamo Kithan and executive secretary Rev. Dr. Renbi Rangthang described the attack as an affront to humanity, moral conscience and the sanctity of life. LBCA said such violence deepened fear, mistrust and division among communities at a time when the people of Manipur longed for normalcy and reconciliation.
The association urged the Government of India, the Government of Manipur and law enforcement agencies to launch an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice without delay.
CFD: Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) also condemned the ambush killing of Rev. Dr. V. Sitlhou and two other pastors, describing it as a heinous crime and a direct attack on humanity and social harmony.
In a statement, CFD president Rev. Dr. Alem Sangtam, vice president Rev. Vangpong Phom and information secretary David Khobung stated that Rev. Dr. Sitlhou had worked tirelessly for community welfare and peace-building, adding that his killing had shocked not only the Christian community but all peace-loving citizens.
CFD urged the government and law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift, impartial and thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice without delay.
The forum also appealed to authorities to strengthen safety and security measures for religious leaders and civilians in vulnerable areas.
AICU: All India Catholic Union (AICU) expressed deep grief and grave concern over the brutal ambush and killing of church leaders in Kangpokpi district, Manipur
In a statement, AICU national president Er. Elias Vaz said the victims were unarmed church leaders and servants of their communities. AICU said the killing was an attack not only on individual lives but on the fragile work of peace in Manipur.
AICU strongly condemned the violence and called upon the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to institute an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation, ensuring swift and credible justice.
The union highlighted that the incident occurs amid the ongoing crisis in Manipur since May 2023, which has claimed over 250 lives, displaced more than 60,000 people, and destroyed hundreds of churches and villages.
It urged the governments to restore the rule of law, recover looted weapons, resettle displaced persons with dignity, and initiate a time-bound political dialogue involving Meitei, Kuki-Zo and Naga leaders.
AICU appealed to all people of faith to reject revenge and hate, while calling for protection for church leaders, peace mediators and humanitarian workers.
Corrigendum
DIMAPUR, MAY 14 (NPN): Apropos the news report, “3 church leaders shot dead in Manipur”, published on May 14, it should be read as “Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned the killings, describing them as ‘senseless acts of violence’…” and not as rendered.