Imphal, May 13: Strong condemnation and grief have poured in from various church and civil society organisations following the deadly ambush on leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association, India (TBAI), in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, which claimed the lives of at least three church leaders and left several others seriously injured.
According to reports, the church leaders were travelling in two vehicles from Churachandpur towards Kangpokpi after attending a church-related meeting when unidentified armed assailants ambushed them between Kotzim and Kotlen areas in Kangpokpi district.
The deceased were identified as Rev. V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention and a senior Thadou Baptist leader, along with Rev. V. Kaigoulun and Pastor Paogoulen. Several others accompanying them sustained grievous injuries in the attack.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation amid the already fragile ethnic and communal tensions prevailing in Manipur. Reports indicate that the victims were on their way back after participating in a peace-related church gathering when the ambush occurred.
In a strongly-worded condemnation note issued on May 13, the Eastern Tangkhul Naga Baptist Association described the attack as “an atrocious act” and termed the slain leaders as “servants of God” devoted to peace, faith and humanitarian service.
The association stated that the killings were not merely crimes against humanity but “a direct assault on the sanctity of life and the mission of the Church.” It asserted that the victims had dedicated themselves to serving society even in dangerous situations and called upon the government to immediately identify and punish those responsible.
The ETNBA further appealed for justice at the earliest and urged authorities to ensure that such brutal incidents are not repeated in future. The organisation also extended condolences to the bereaved families, friends and church congregations, praying for eternal peace for the departed souls.
The statement was jointly issued by Rev. Rinpam Ningshen, President of ETNBA Executive Council; Rev. Alogel Jajo, Speaker of ETNBA Assembly Affairs; and Rev. Dr. Soreingam Ningshen, Executive Secretary of ETNBA.
Meanwhile, the United Naga Council also condemned the ambush “in the strongest terms,” stating that the attack resulted in the death of three church leaders and injuries to five others as per available reports.
The UNC noted that Rev. V. Silthou was among those killed and expressed deep sorrow over the loss. The council conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families and prayed that God would grant them strength during the difficult time of mourning.
In a significant development, the UNC also alleged that around 20 Nagas from Konsakhul village were reportedly being held hostage by residents of Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village following the ambush incident. The organisation termed such acts “unacceptable” and said that targeting innocent civilians and taking hostages violates the principles of humanity and civilized society.
The council warned that such retaliatory actions could further intensify tensions between communities and appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of the reported hostages while respecting the dignity and rights of every individual.
Calling for restraint and communal harmony, the UNC urged civil society organisations, church leaders and community representatives from all communities to stand united against violence and work collectively towards restoring peace and peaceful coexistence in the state.
The killings have intensified concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the hill districts of Manipur, where ethnic tensions and sporadic violence continue to affect normal life. Various organisations and leaders across the Northeast have also begun expressing concern over the attack and demanding swift action from the authorities.
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