3 church leaders killed, 4 injured in Manipur ambush

CHURACHANDPUR/IMPHAL: Three church leaders were killed and four others grievously injured in an ambush by unidentified armed men on Wednesday morning on the Churachandpur-Kangpokpi road in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, triggering multiple shutdown calls.

The attack occurred around 10:25am on the stretch locally known as Tiger Road, between Kotzim and Kotlen villages.

The deceased were identified as Rev Vumthang Sitlhou, former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), and pastors Paogou and Kaigoulien. All three died on the spot. Four others were reported to have sustained grievous injuries.

The deceased were associated with Thadou Baptist Association.

CM Y Khemchand Singh condemned the incident, stating that such “senseless acts of violence” against innocent civilians threaten peace in Manipur which has been rocked by ethnic violence since 2023. The chief minister said three of those injured were admitted to the Shija Hospitals and Research Institute in Imphal.

He, along with deputy CM Losii Dikho, home minister Govindas Konthoujam, visited the injured in the hospital.

According to sources, the pastors had attended a religious congregation in Churachandpur and were returning to their native place in Kangpokpi when their vehicle was ambushed by fully armed miscreants.

Sources said a shutdown was imposed in Churachandpur following the incident, while another strike was called in Kangpokpi by Thadou bodies.

The Kuki Students’ Organisation, Churachandpur sistrict, announced an emergency indefinite shutdown in the district from 12:30pm on Wednesday, following the killings. The organisation said such acts against innocent civilians and religious leaders are utterly condemnable and unacceptable.

The organisation said medical emergencies, press and media, electricity and religious ceremonies would be exempted from the shutdown.

During the shutdown, shops remained closed, markets were deserted and people stayed off the roads, particularly around Tuibong main market areas.

Nine Naga legislators, in a joint statement on Wednesday, said, "This act of cold blooded murder of unarmed and peace-loving religious leaders is unacceptable and we urge the law enforcement agencies to trace and book the culprits at the earliest.”

The statement conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished recovery for the injured.