Guwahati: In an alleged ambush by suspected armed militants in the Kangpokpi area of Manipur on Wednesday, at least four people were reportedly killed, including a driver and three church leaders, while numerous more were injured.
Police reports claim that the event happened in the vicinity of Kotlen and Kotzim villages on the Imphal–Tamenglong route at around ten in the morning. The attack occurred while the victims, who were members of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA), were en route from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi following their attendance at a TBA conference.
Church leaders from the Kuki community were allegedly attacked by suspected members of two armed groups – the ZUF-Kamson faction and VBIGs. The incident has been described as an unprovoked attack, raising fresh concerns over security in the region.
The deceased have been identified as Rev. Dr. V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), Rev. Kaigoulun, Pastor Paogoulen and the driver,Lelen.
According to sources, members of the Thadou Baptist Association were travelling in two vehicles when they were allegedly ambushed on route, though the exact number of injured individuals could not be immediately confirmed at the time of filing this report.
In the meantime, organisations representing the Thadou community have called for an immediate total shutdown across Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi district to protest the killing of the church leaders.
According to police sources, at least ten members of the Liangmai Naga community are reportedly being held hostage following the incident; however, no official confirmation regarding the alleged hostage situation has been issued at this point.
In the meantime, in protest of the church leaders’ deaths, organisations representing the Thadou community have demanded an urgent complete shutdown throughout Sadar Hills in the Kangpokpi district.