Manipur CM Khemchand Singh condemns attack; calls it “dastardly terror act”
Senior church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were ambushed between Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday while returning from the United Baptist Convention (UBC) conference in Churachandpur, leaving at least three persons feared dead and five critically injured.
Among those reportedly killed was Rev V Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention and current President of the TBA; Rev Kaigoulen and Pastor Paogoulen.
The church leaders were reportedly travelling in two vehicles when they were attacked near Zero Point/Saheibung Peak while returning from Chiengkonpang in Lamka, where they had attended the UBC conference.
Those reported injured included Rev SM Haopu, Rev Hekai Simte, Rev Kaigoulun, Rev Paothang, Pastor Paogou, and two drivers identified as Lelen and Goumang. Reports from the state government stated that four persons were injured, with three rushed to Shija Hospitals and Research Institute in Imphal for treatment.
Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the attack in strong terms, calling it a “dastardly terror act” carried out by armed miscreants against innocent civilians.
He stated that he, along with Deputy Chief Minister Losit Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs and other government officials, visited the injured at Shija Hospital in Imphal West.
“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,” he said.
“Terrorism and senseless acts of violence that target innocent civilians and threaten peace and humanity have no room in a civilized society,” he stated, while also appealing to all communities to maintain restraint and immediately stop “abductions and taking hostage and intimidations on community lines.”
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While initial reports and local sources linked the attack to armed elements allegedly associated with a group referred to as “ZUF-Kamson,” the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) denied the existence of such a faction and blamed NSCN-IM operatives for allegedly misusing its name. Arambai Tenggol also separately denied allegations linking it to the incident.
The attack triggered condemnation from multiple organisations, including Kuki-Zo groups, the United Naga Council (UNC), and ZUF, even as sharply conflicting narratives emerged over responsibility for the ambush.
The UNC also alleged that around 20 residents of Konsakhul village were later held hostage in a related development, though this claim remained independently unverified.
In a strongly worded statement, Kuki Inpi Manipur condemned what it described as the “cowardly and barbaric ambush” on Kuki-Zo church leaders and civilians, and termed the killings a direct assault on peace and reconciliation efforts.
Kuki Inpi said Rev V Sitlhou had only recently participated in peace initiatives alongside the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (JCF) in Kohima aimed at fostering reconciliation and mutual understanding between Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul communities.
“It is therefore profoundly heartbreaking and enraging that a man who dedicated himself to peace and reconciliation should fall victim to such a merciless and calculated act of violence,” the organisation stated.
Kuki Inpi further said the attack came at a time when church leaders and civil society organisations were encouraging dialogue and peaceful coexistence, and questioned the timing and intent behind the ambush.
Calling for immediate intervention, the organisation urged the Government of India to launch a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.
Kuki Inpi also appealed to civil society organisations, churches and democratic forces to unequivocally condemn the killings, while urging the Kuki-Zo community to remain united and vigilant.
The organisation warned that repeated targeted violence, if left unaddressed, could further endanger the already fragile prospects for peace and coexistence in the region.
The incident marks another major setback in Manipur’s continuing ethnic and security crisis, with fears that Wednesday’s killings could further inflame tensions unless swift action is taken.
