Manipur: Shutdown Enforced In Churachandpur, Kangpokpi After Ambush Kills 3 Kuki-Zo Church Leaders.

Imphal; May 2026: Several Kuki-Zo organisations today (13th May 2026, Wednesday) has strongly condemned the killing of three church leaders belonging to the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA), describing the incident as a “heinous ambush and brutal killing”. While returning from Lamka conference, church leaders came under the deadly ambush between Kotzim & Kotlen areas in Kangpokpi. The victims were travelling in two vehicles while returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur district after attending a TBA conference in Lamka when they allegedly came under attack midway

The incident has triggered widespread outrage across Manipur’s hill districts, with an indefinite shutdown called in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts from 12:30 hours following the deaths of Reverand V. Sitlhou, Reverand V. Kaigoulun and Pastor Paogoulen.

The shutdown was called by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), which termed the attack a “brutal killing of innocent TBA Church leaders”. KSO has further stated, “All sister organisations and all concerned are requested to extend cooperation and maintain peace during the shutdown period. Any organisation unwilling to cooperate will be seen as disrespecting the innocent departed souls”, the organisation said in a statement.

According to sources, at least 05 others have sustained injuries in the attack and are currently undergoing treatment. The injured reportedly include Reverand SM Haopu; Reverand Hekai Simte; Reverand Paothang, and 02 drivers identified as Lelen and Goumang.

Condemning the incident, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) described the assault as a “cowardly and barbaric ambush” targeting Kuki-Zo church leaders and civilians. “Kuki Inpi questions the intent and timing behind such a heinous and cowardly attack at a moment when sincere peace initiatives and dialogue were being encouraged by church leaders and civil society organisations to foster understanding and restore harmony between communities”, the organisation said in a statement.

KIM has further demanded a thorough investigation into the incident by the Government of India and urged authorities to identify and arrest those responsible. “It is therefore urgent that the Government of India immediately initiate a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly identified and brought to justice”, the statement added. The incident has triggered panic and heightened tensions across parts of the hill districts, particularly along NH-2, a crucial lifeline connecting Manipur with Nagaland and the rest of the country. Notably, the timing of the attack has also come under scrutiny, as it occurred ahead of Chief Minister’s Y Khemchand Singh’s proposed visit to Churachandpur district on May 15.

Chief Minister of Manipur’s proposed visit to Churachandpur on May 15 has drawn stiff opposition from Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes in Manipur. “Ground realities in these areas remain highly sensitive and volatile, with underlying tensions yet to be meaningfully addressed or resolved”, KIM Secretary (Information) Janghaolun Haokip said in a statement. KIM has warned that the proposed visit, which would mark the first by a sitting Chief Minister to Churachandpur since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023, could trigger fresh law-and-order concerns in the conflict-hit hill districts.

The organisation stated that although the Chief Minister had earlier visited several hill districts without major incident, the situation in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Tengnoupal districts continues to remain tense and volatile. KIM further cautioned that there exists a “genuine and imminent risk” of the proposed visit becoming a flashpoint, potentially disrupting the already fragile law-and-order situation.

“The consequences of any such development would be grave and counterproductive to the ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and normalcy”, the statement added. The organisation advised the Chief Minister to defer any proposed visit to Kuki-Zo inhabited districts until conditions become conducive for “safe, meaningful and constructive engagement” with the public. KIM also asserted that it and its affiliated organisations have resolved to oppose any visit by the Manipur government to Kuki-Zo populated areas until the political demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people is duly considered.

Team Maverick.