ConflictWatch – Manipur Church Leaders Killed in Deadly Militant Ambush
ConflictWatch – Three senior church leaders lost their lives and four others were injured after armed militants attacked a delegation of Christian officials travelling through Manipur on Wednesday morning.
The victims were associated with the Thadou Baptist Association and the United Baptist Council. According to officials, the group was on its way from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi for a religious meeting focused on church coordination and community discussions when their convoy came under attack.
Senior Religious Figures Among Victims
Authorities identified the deceased as Rev V Sitlhou, president of the Thadou Baptist Association, along with Rev V Kaigoulun and Pastor Paogoulen. Rev Sitlhou was reportedly leading the delegation at the time of the ambush.
Others travelling with the group included Rev SM Haopu, Rev Hekai Simte, Rev Paothang, and driver Goumang. Four members of the team sustained injuries during the assault and were later taken for medical treatment.
The incident has intensified concerns over rising violence in parts of the northeastern state, where ethnic and community tensions have continued to disrupt normal life over recent months.
Shutdown Announced in Kangpokpi Region
Following the killings, several Thadou community organisations declared a complete shutdown in the Sadar Hills area of Kangpokpi district as a mark of protest and mourning. Local residents were urged to suspend normal activities while community leaders demanded stronger security measures in vulnerable regions.
At the same time, reports circulating on social media claimed that individuals from both the Kuki and Naga communities had allegedly been abducted in separate incidents. However, these claims had not been independently verified by authorities at the time of reporting.
Human Rights Group Condemns Attack
The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust strongly criticised the killings and described the attack as a deliberate act of violence. In a statement, the organisation alleged that militants linked to the NSCN-IM faction, along with members of the Zeliangrong United Front, were responsible for the ambush.
The organisation stated that the church delegation had been engaged in efforts aimed at promoting peace and dialogue among communities affected by conflict in the region. It further claimed that the victims had recently participated in consultations held in Nagaland under the guidance of the Nagaland Christian Forum.
According to the statement, the slain leaders had devoted themselves to reconciliation initiatives between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga groups despite the security risks surrounding such efforts.
Rising Tensions in Manipur
Manipur has witnessed repeated episodes of violence involving Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities since February this year, particularly in areas such as Ukhrul district. Several clashes have resulted in deaths, injuries, and destruction of homes, deepening instability across affected regions.
Security agencies have been monitoring the situation closely as tensions continue to affect local communities and travel routes in sensitive districts. The latest killings are expected to increase pressure on the administration to strengthen law and order operations in conflict-prone areas.
Christian Organisations Express Grief
The United Christian Forum of North East India also expressed sorrow over the deaths of the church leaders. In its response, the organisation described the victims as devoted religious figures who had spent years working for peace, social service, and spiritual guidance.
The forum stated that the killings represented a serious blow to efforts aimed at restoring trust and harmony among communities in the Northeast. It added that the deceased leaders had played an important role in encouraging reconciliation in regions that have experienced prolonged unrest.
Community leaders across the region have appealed for calm while urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack and bring those responsible to justice.