Churachandpur, May 13: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) have strongly condemned the deadly ambush on senior church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, describing the attack as “barbaric,” “inhumane,” and an assault on peace and humanity.
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| Rev. V. Sitlhou |
In separate statements issued on May 13, both organisations expressed grief over the killing of Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou, who were attacked while returning to Kangpokpi after attending the United Baptist Church Conference in Lamka.
According to the statements, the ambush took place between Kotzim and Kotlen areas of Kangpokpi district, where two vehicles carrying church delegates marked “Mission & Evangelist” were allegedly attacked by the ZUF-Kamson faction along with VBIGs and “Meitei terrorists.”
KIM stated that the “heinous and inhumane acts committed against Church leaders” had deeply wounded the sentiments of the Kuki-Zo people. The organisation accused the ZUF-Kamson faction of carrying out the attack “in collusion with VBIGs.”
Following an emergency meeting convened after the incident, KIM announced a total shutdown across all Kuki-Zo inhabited areas from midnight of May 13 until midnight of May 15 as a mark of public mourning, solidarity and respect for the victims.
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The organisation also declared a two-day nationwide mourning period for the Kuki-Zo people. During the shutdown, businesses, schools, government offices, private institutions and vehicular movement will remain closed.
However, emergency services including medical services, airport operations, fire services and other humanitarian services have been exempted from the shutdown.
KIM further announced that candlelight vigils would be held in all churches at 7 PM on May 13 in remembrance of the victims and in prayer for justice, peace and healing.
Meanwhile, KZC strongly condemned what it described as the “senseless killing of religious leaders devoted to faith, peace, and service to humanity.”
The council said the death of Rev. V. Sitlhou was particularly painful, noting that he had played an important role in promoting peace between Kuki and Naga communities through the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum and recent peace missions between Tangkhul Nagas and Kukis.
“It is heartbreaking that a man dedicated to reconciliation was killed so mercilessly,” KZC stated.
The organisation further said the targeting of church leaders reflected the “cruelty and inhumanity” of the perpetrators and urged the government to swiftly investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
Both organisations extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage and condemnation across Manipur and the Northeast, with church bodies, civil society organisations and political leaders demanding justice and stronger efforts to restore peace in the conflict-hit state.
