Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: An indefinite shutdown called by Kuki and Thadou community organisations has disrupted normal life in Manipur’s Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts following the killing of three church leaders and the injury of five others in a violent attack on Wednesday.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur, along with Thadou bodies, announced the shutdown from 12:30 pm on May 13, 2026, condemning what they described as a “heinous ambush and brutal killing” of Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) Church leaders.
The attack reportedly took place at Tiger Road between Kotlen and Kotzim in Kangpokpi district and left three church leaders dead and five others critically injured.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) also strongly condemned the incident, alleging that it was carried out by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF)–Kamson faction in collusion with Valley-Based Insurgent Groups (VBIGs), a claim denied by the ZUF, which called the allegation “baseless and misleading”.
KIM described the incident as a direct attack on peace and urged immediate central intervention to bring the perpetrators to justice. Security forces have launched search operations in the area, and a detailed investigation is underway.
Following the incident, an emergency meeting of Kuki Inpi Manipur was held, which resolved to enforce a total shutdown from midnight of May 13 to midnight of May 15 across all Kuki-Zo inhabited areas.
The organisation also announced a two-day period of mourning in memory of those killed, during which all business establishments, government offices, private institutions, schools and vehicular movement will remain closed. Emergency services, including airports, medical services, fire and emergency services and other essential humanitarian services, will be exempted.
A candlelight vigil will also be held by churches at 7 pm on May 13, 2026, as a mark of remembrance and prayer for justice, peace and healing.
Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Organisation has advised the public to avoid travelling along the Imphal–Senapati Highway (NH-2) due to the prevailing tense situation.