Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Following the killing of three church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi and a Chiru Naga individual in Noney district on May 13, 2026, various tribal and civil society organisations have issued major demands to the government amid rising tensions.
While the Kuki-Zo community accepted the bodies of the slain persons, a Naga organisation refused to receive the body. These organisations are demanding protection and addressing several other issues.
Hundreds of Kuki-Zo people paid their last respects on Friday to the mortal remains of the three church leaders killed in the ambush, with the bodies laid to rest at Brigadier M. Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.
The deceased have been identified as Reverend Vumthang Sitlhou (former general secretary of Manipur Baptist Convention) of Taloulong Village, Kangpokpi; Reverend Kaigoulun Lhouvum of Keithelmanbi Military Colony, Kangpokpi; and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou of Keithelmanbi Military Colony, Kangpokpi.
Kuki-Zo organisations, including the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), have submitted a charter of demands to the Prime Minister and the state government.
The demands include a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the case, prompt identification and prosecution of all perpetrators and conspirators, permanent security guarantees for civilians and religious leaders, and the establishment of special security zones in vulnerable areas.
They also include expedited political engagement with Suspension of Operations (SoO) groups, official recognition of alleged persecution, and a separate administration for tribals in Manipur.
On the other hand, Naga organisations, including the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), have raised specific demands following the death of Wilson Thanga, who was killed in an ambush on the same day in Noney district.
The demands include punishment for those responsible with “uncompromising force” and a refusal to claim the deceased’s body until the government provides a firm assurance that the attackers will be arrested.
Various protests were organised in tribal districts across the state. Indefinite and 48-hour shutdowns were enforced by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) and KIM to protest the killings and the alleged failure of law enforcement to curb violence.
In the predominantly Naga-inhabited districts of Noney and Chandel, the Chandel Naga People’s Organisation and other bodies enforced bandhs, leading to deserted markets and blocked highways.