Manipur Bleeds Twice: Three Church Leaders Killed in Kangpokpi Ambush, Civilian Shot Dead in Noney

AT A GLANCE — KANGPOKPI AMBUSH (MORNING)

AT A GLANCE — NONEY AMBUSH (EVENING)

Manipur witnessed two separate and deadly ambushes within hours of each other on Wednesday, leaving four people dead and several others injured across two districts and exposing the breadth of violence still coursing through the state nearly three years into its ethnic conflict.

In the morning, three senior church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were killed and at least five others critically injured when their convoy was ambushed between Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district. Hours later, as dusk settled over Noney district, a 70-year-old farmer was shot dead and a married couple critically wounded on the Bishnupur–Khoupum Road by unknown militants, as the victims made their way to their fields for the night.

Neither attack has been claimed by any armed group. Neither has resulted in arrests. In both cases, security forces reached the area after the fact. By the end of the day, shutdowns had been declared across Churachandpur district and parts of Kangpokpi, key highways had been declared unsafe for travel, and frightened villagers near the Noney attack site had abandoned their homes for safer ground.

The Kangpokpi Ambush: Church Leaders Returning from Conference Fired Upon

The church leaders were among a group of TBA delegates returning home after attending a conference in Churachandpur, also known as Lamka. Their route back passed through the stretch of road between Kotzim and Kotlen — two Kuki villages in Kangpokpi district. According to accounts from Kuki-Zo civil society organisations, the vehicles were ambushed midway, with two cars reportedly marked as 'Mission & Evangelist' being targeted.

The three deceased have been identified as Reverend V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention and serving President of the Thadou Baptist Association; Reverend Kaigoulun Lhouvum; and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou. Several others sustained serious injuries and were admitted for treatment. The state government confirmed casualties and said officials, including the Chief Minister, visited the injured at Shija Hospitals in Imphal West.

Rev. V. Sitlhou, the most prominent figure among the deceased, had in recent weeks been involved in inter-community peace efforts. According to the Kuki-Zo Council, his mother belonged to the Rongmei Naga community, and he had “recently led peace missions between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities who are currently in conflict in Manipur,” working alongside the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum. The All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) described Sitlhou as “a devoted servant of God, a respected spiritual leader and a committed peacemaker.”

According to reports from Ukhrul Times, more than 15 civilians from Konsakhul village were also reportedly being held captive by alleged Kuki militants in Leilon Vaiphei village at the time of reporting. This aspect of the situation remained unconfirmed by official sources as of publication.

The Noney Ambush: An Elderly Farmer Killed on the Way to His Fields

As the grief over the Kangpokpi attack was still raw, a second ambush unfolded approximately 120 kilometres away in Noney district, at around 6:00 PM on the same evening.

Wilson Thanga, 70 years old, a resident of Dollang Chiru Village in Noney District and son of the late Waikanglar, was killed on the spot. He was travelling in a Bolero vehicle along the Bishnupur–Khoupum Road, in the stretch between Zoujangtek and Longsai Part-2, under the jurisdiction of Khoupum Police Station. The victims were on their way to their farm near the basin of the Leimatak river for an overnight stay — a routine practice for farmers in the area.

Two others in the vehicle, a married couple, sustained critical injuries in the attack. Olive Jatung, 35, received two bullet wounds on the left side of his abdomen. His wife, Aroma Jatung, 28, suffered a fractured left elbow. Both were initially taken to a private hospital in Longmai, Noney, for first aid before being referred to Imphal for further treatment, where their conditions were described as critical.

Unknown militants carried out the attack. No armed group claimed responsibility. In the immediate aftermath, nearby villagers fled their homes and sought shelter in safer locations. Police and paramilitary forces were deployed to the area and security arrangements were reinforced, but no suspects had been identified or detained as of the time of writing.

Wilson Thanga's killing is a stark reminder that the violence in Manipur does not discriminate by age, affiliation, or circumstance. A 70-year-old farmer heading to his fields at dusk — among the most ordinary of journeys — ended in his death on a road that should have been safe.

Competing Claims Over Perpetrators

The question of who carried out the ambush is contested and unresolved. The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) Churachandpur chapter, in its press release announcing an indefinite shutdown, named ZUF-Kamson (described as NSCN-IM's proxy) and also referenced Arambai Tenggol in its condemnation. The Kuki-Zo Council similarly attributed the attack to the ZUF-Kamson group, stating that the vehicles were "allegedly ambushed by the ZUF Kamson group along with Meitei terrorists."

The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) issued a strong rebuttal, categorically disowning any 'Kamson' faction. In its press statement, ZUF described the attack as "an unforgivable crime against humanity" and stated that the name 'ZUF Kamson' was "maliciously used by NSCN-IM to mislead the public and tarnish the hard-earned image and integrity of the Zeliangrong people." ZUF further alleged that NSCN-IM had issued orders on May 2 and May 4 directing people to disregard ZUF's own peace-meeting invitations — and that today's attack was the culmination of that deliberate provocation.

Arambai Tenggol, the Meitei armed group, denied any involvement in a separate press release, stating that the location of the attack was an area "where not a single Meitei individual was even allowed access due to heavy restrictions and security control," and calling the allegations against them politically motivated. The statement's language was notably combative toward Kuki-Zo communities, using inflammatory terms that are not reproduced here.

The state government, in its official statement, made no attribution regarding the perpetrators, referring only to 'armed miscreants.' No law enforcement agency had publicly named suspects or announced arrests as of the time of writing.

A Distinct Identity: The Thadou Question

One of the most pointed responses to the attack came not from organisations but from a named individual. Michael Lamzathang Thadou, a senior Thadou community leader, posted on X (formerly Twitter) raising a question that cuts deeper than the immediate tragedy.

Expressing grief over the attack, he wrote: "Due to misidentification, the Thadou people have paid a heavy price and have become the worst victims of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur from all quarters." He added a pointed clarification: "Thadou is not Kuki but distinct. Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) is not part of Kuki Christian Leaders Forum (KCLF) or Kuki Baptist Convention (KBC) or Kuki Christian Church (KCC)."

The statement reflects a longstanding and deeply felt identity distinction within the hill communities of Manipur. The Thadou people, one of the largest tribal groups in the state, have historically resisted the umbrella designation of 'Kuki,' a colonial-era term that grouped together numerous distinct communities. In the context of the ongoing ethnic conflict, this misidentification has had lethal consequences: groups being targeted may be identified not by their actual community affiliation but by a broad ethnic label applied from outside.

Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing, in her condemnation statement, described the attack as "cowardly" and called for swift action against the perpetrators. She expressed sorrow specifically over four deaths — naming Rev. V. Sitlhou, Pastor Paogoulen, Pastor Kaigoulun, and Rev. Vumthang — a figure that differs from the three confirmed by other sources. The discrepancy in death toll figures has not been officially reconciled.

Naga Legislature Forum Condemns Killing of Thadou Religious Leaders Near Kotlen

The Naga Legislature Forum (NLF), Manipur on Wednesday strongly condemned the killing of three Thadou religious leaders and the injuring of three others in a violent incident that took place near Kotlen on May 13, 2026.

In a condemnation statement issued on Wednesday, the Forum described the attack as an “act of cold-blooded murder” targeting “unarmed and peace-loving religious leaders.” The deceased were identified as Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), Pastor Paogou, and Pastor Kaigoulien. The Forum stated that such violence was “unacceptable” and urged law enforcement agencies to trace and book the culprits at the earliest.

Expressing grief over the incident, the NLF conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, relatives, and friends of the deceased religious leaders. It also wished speedy recovery to the three injured persons. The legislators further appealed to the people of Manipur to exercise restraint and work together to restore peace and harmony in the state amid the prevailing tensions. The Forum also appealed for the safe and unharmed release of civilians belonging to both Naga and Kuki communities who were reportedly being detained.

The condemnation statement was jointly signed by nine members of the Naga Legislature Forum, including L. Dikho, Dinganglung Gangmei, Awangbow Newmai, Khasim Vashum, Janghemlung Panmei, Leishiyo Keishing, Ram Muivah, S. S. Olish and J. Kumo Sha.

Government Response and Humanitarian Measures

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, along with Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, and other officials, visited the injured at Shija Hospitals in Imphal West. In a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, the state government confirmed the casualty figures as three killed and four others injured — a figure again varying from other accounts — and directed authorities to ensure the highest standard of medical care, with all treatment costs to be covered by the state.

The government's statement urged "all sections of society to refrain from emotional responses, violence, and abductions to restore normalcy" — the explicit reference to abductions suggesting that officials were aware of or concerned about the hostage situation reported in Kangpokpi. No specific action was announced regarding the alleged captive civilians.

AMCO, in its press statement, called on both the central and state governments to act "immediately, impartially, and decisively," adding that the central government appeared to remain "a mere spectator" while repeated incidents signalled "an alarming collapse of law and order amid unresolved ethnic conflict."

Manipur Governor Condemns, Appeals for Peace and Restraint

Ajay Kumar Bhalla has strongly condemned the ambush in Kangpokpi district that claimed innocent lives, including church leaders who were reportedly engaged in efforts towards peace and reconciliation.

In a post shared by Lok Bhavan Manipur on X on Wednesday, the Governor expressed deep sorrow over the incident and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.

The Governor appealed to all communities in the state to maintain peace, exercise restraint and work collectively towards restoring harmony and normalcy in Manipur. The statement comes amid widespread condemnation from political leaders, civil society organisations and community groups following the deadly attack that took place between Kotlen and Kotzim areas in Kangpokpi district earlier in the day.

CM Condemns, Assures Action Against Perpetrators

Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh on Wednesday strongly condemned the firing incident carried out by armed miscreants on a group of civilians between Kotlen and Kotzim areas in Kangpokpi district, which left three civilians dead and four others injured.

In a message issued on Wednesday, the Chief Minister described the incident as a “dastardly terror act” and termed the attack on innocent civilians as deeply disturbing and devastating for the entire state.

According to the statement, three of the injured persons were shifted to Shija Hospitals and Research Institute for treatment. The Chief Minister, accompanied by L. Dikho, Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs and government officials, visited the injured persons at the hospital and enquired about their condition.

The Chief Minister stated that the State government would bear all medical expenses of the injured and directed authorities to ensure the highest standard of treatment and care. He said the incident was particularly alarming at a time when Manipur was “gradually moving towards peace,” adding that acts which undermine efforts to restore normalcy were unacceptable.

“Terrorism and senseless acts of violence that target innocent civilians and threaten peace and humanity have no room in a civilized society,” the statement said, asserting that there could be no justification for terrorism in any form.

The Chief Minister further stated that the people of the state stood united against such acts of terror and affirmed that the government’s resolve to fight terrorism remained “unshakable.” Expressing grief over the loss of lives, he appealed to all sections of society to maintain peace, exercise restraint and avoid emotional reactions that could further aggravate the situation.

He also urged people to immediately stop abductions, hostage-taking and intimidation on community lines, warning that such actions would worsen the prevailing tensions. Assuring strict action, the Chief Minister said the State government would use every available resource to bring the perpetrators and their handlers to justice. He also prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured persons.

CSOs Condemn, Call for Unity Against Terrorism

Five Manipur-based civil society organisations on Wednesday strongly condemned the killing of civilians and injuries caused in the firing incident that took place between Kotzin and Kotlen on the morning of May 13, 2026.

In a joint press release, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Committee on Human Rights (COHR), Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur (PLMPAM), All Manipur Anti-Drug and Alcohol Women Organisation (AMAWOVA) and Meitei Students' Federation (MSF) termed the incident an unacceptable act of terrorism carried out by “India-backed terrorists.”

The organisations alleged that armed terrorists opened fire on civilians after ambushing them in the area between Kotzin and Kotlen, resulting in deaths and injuries among innocent people.

The joint statement said that the people of Manipur had lived together for generations despite hardships and suffering, but alleged that divisive violence and killings among communities were being encouraged under policies pursued by the Indian government. The organisations further stated that people of different communities in Manipur should unite against attempts to divide society and destroy the shared path of peaceful coexistence.

They asserted that collective coexistence, mutual protection and shared progress among all communities remained the only genuine path forward for the state. The organisations also claimed that united resistance by the people would be able to prevent attempts aimed at weakening Manipur. The joint statement also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and expressed sympathy for those injured in the incident.

Shutdowns, Road Closures, and Warnings

The attack triggered immediate shutdown actions across multiple areas.

The Kuki Students' Organisation, Churachandpur District, announced an indefinite emergency shutdown across Churachandpur District from 12:30 PM on May 13. Exemptions were granted for medical emergencies, press and media, electricity services, and religious ceremonies.

Thadou community bodies in Kangpokpi announced a total shutdown along NH-2 (Imphal–Dimapur route) and across Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi district, in response to the killing.

Separately, the Naga People's Organisation issued a public advisory urging commuters not to travel along the Imphal–Senapati Highway (NH-202) due to the tense situation prevailing in the region.

The combination of shutdowns and road warnings effectively disrupted movement across several key arterial routes in the hill districts of Manipur on the day of the attack.

Context: Violence Against Peacemakers

The killing of Rev. V. Sitlhou carries a significance that goes beyond the immediate death toll. Multiple organisations — from the All Manipur Christian Organisation to the Kuki-Zo Council — specifically noted that Sitlhou had been engaged in active peace-building at the time of his death, working across the Kuki-Zo and Naga community divide at a moment when that relationship is itself under strain in Manipur.

AMCO stated that it was "deeply disturbing and heartbreaking that even ordained ministers, pastors, and spiritual leaders devoted to reconciliation and peace-building missions are no longer spared from the ongoing violence in Manipur." The organisation cited Isaiah 1:15 and called the killing an attack on "the core values of peace, coexistence, and religious freedom."

Manipur has been gripped by ethnic violence between the Meetei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023. Wednesday's twin ambushes — in two different districts, against two entirely different groups of victims, by two sets of unidentified perpetrators — suggest that whatever equilibrium of violence the state has settled into, it is not stable and it is not confined.