Kangpokpi, May 13: Church leaders belonging to the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were ambushed by suspected members of the ZUF-Kamson faction and VBIGs between Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, leaving at least three persons feared dead and several others injured.
 |
| Vehicles carrying Thadou Baptist Association church leaders seen after an ambush attack near Kotzim-Kotlen area in Kangpokpi district, Manipur, on May 13, 2026. |
According to initial reports, the church leaders were returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur after attending the United Baptist Convention (UBC) Conference held at Chiengkonpang in Lamka when they were attacked near Zero Point/Saheibung Peak.
Among those reportedly killed was Rev. V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention and current President of the Thadou Baptist Association. Sources said two other pastors also died at the scene, though official confirmation regarding the total number of fatalities was still awaited at the time of filing this report.
Several others sustained injuries in the attack. The injured persons were identified as Rev. SM Haopu, Rev. Hekai Simte, Rev. Kaigoulun, Rev. Paothang, Pastor Paogou, and two drivers identified as Lelen and Goumang.
Sources said the church leaders were travelling in two vehicles when they were intercepted and attacked by armed assailants believed to be associated with the ZUF-Kamson group.
ALSO READ: Kuki Inpi Manipur Alleges Ambush on Church Leaders, Warns of Highway Blockade
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation among Kuki-Zo organisations and church bodies, with several groups describing the attack as an “unprovoked aggression” against religious leaders.
Earlier, Kuki Inpi Manipur had warned that such incidents could lead to serious unrest and possible blockades on National and State Highways in Kuki-dominated areas if authorities fail to act swiftly.
The attack comes amid continuing tensions and security concerns in parts of Manipur following the ethnic violence that erupted in the state in May 2023.
No official statement had yet been issued by the police or security agencies regarding the incident or the identities of the attackers. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the ambush.
