3 killed, 5 injured in suspected militant attack in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district

Three persons were allegedly killed by suspected militants, and several others were injured in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday (May 13).

According to police, the incident took place between Kotzim and Kotlen villages when members of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were returning from Churachandpur. They further revealed that the deceased has been identified as Reverend V Sitlhour, a former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention.

Five injured in attack

Police said that the victims were travelling in two vehicles, adding that they were gathering more details about the attack.

At least five other persons sustained injuries in the attack and are presently undergoing treatment, reported NDTV, quoting sources.

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The injured were identified as Rev. SM Haopu, Rev. Hekai Simte, Rev. Paothang, Lelen, who was driving one of the vehicles, and Goumang, another driver.

Tension spreads across region

Soon after the incident, an immediate blockade was enforced along National Highway-2 (NH-2), considered a vital road link connecting Manipur with Nagaland and other parts of the country. The situation remained tense in Kangpokpi district and in nearby Kuki-Zo inhabited regions as news of the killings spread.

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Reacting to the incident, Michael Lamjathang Thadou expressed grief over the killing and stated that the Thadou community is distinct and not part of the Kuki group. He also said that members of the community have suffered significantly after being wrongly identified during the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur.

Shutdown call and demand for probe

Meanwhile, the Kuki Students' Organisation announced an emergency indefinite shutdown beginning at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, condemning the attack.

The organisation alleged that state law enforcement agencies had failed to contain the activities of armed groups operating in the region. It also appealed to the public, civil society groups and other organisations to extend cooperation during the shutdown.

However, medical emergencies, press and media personnel, electricity-related services, and religious functions were kept outside the purview of the blockade.

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The Kuki Inpi Manipur strongly condemned the incident, calling it a "cowardly and barbaric ambush" targeting Kuki-Zo church leaders and civilians, reported NDTV.

KIM stated that Rev. V Sitlhou had recently taken part in peace initiatives with the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum in Kohima aimed at reconciliation and mutual understanding between communities. The organisation described the killing as a direct attack on ongoing peace efforts and urged the Centre to conduct a detailed investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

(With agency inputs)