Three Kuki church leaders killed in an ambush in Manipur after attending peace meetings; civilians held hostage
Reports also say that about 10 to 15 civilians are being held hostage by militants in the area following the attack
Reports also say that about 10 to 15 civilians are being held hostage by militants in the area following the attack
Reports also say that about 10 to 15 civilians are being held hostage by militants in the area following the attack
Reports also say that about 10 to 15 civilians are being held hostage by militants in the area following the attack
Three church leaders and one man belonging to the Kuki community in Manipur were killed in an ambush attack on a vehicle that also injured several others on Wednesday morning. They were reportedly travelling from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi in Manipur
The three deceased were identified as Reverend V Sitlhou, Reverend Kaigoulen and Pastor Paogoulen, all part of the Thadou Baptist Association and the United Baptist Council (UBC), who were reportedly travelling back to Kangpokpi after a church leaders’ meeting in Churachandpur, The Indian Express reported.
Police said that the attack took place between Kotjim and Kotlen in Kangpokpi while the group was travelling in two vehicles.
Security officials said that the attack was conducted by a militant group, the matter is subject to an investigation.
Others in the group included Rev SM Haopu, Rev Hekai Simte, Rev Kaigoulun, Rev Paothang, Pastor Paogou, and driver Goumang.
Police sources also said that about 10 persons belonging to the Liangmai Naga community are also being held hostage following the incident.
Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) condemned the attack and said that the premeditated to target peace efforts by the group. They alleged the involvement of the NSCN-IM.
KOHUR said that the clergy was involved in reconciliation between the Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities and was part of recent consultations in Nagaland.
The attack comes as the conflict between the state’s Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has been continuing for three years.
There were also tensions between the Kuki and the Tangkul naga communities, which started in February this year.
Thangtinlen Haokip, a leader of the Kangpokpi-based Committee on Tribal Unity said that one of the deceased, V Sitlhou, “had recently initiated a reconciliation meeting between Kukis and Nagas in Kohima, because of the current tensions between the two communities."
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, termed the attack “barbaric”. They urged the centre to launch a thorough investigation into the incident.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said, “I strongly condemn the brutal killing of Kuki Church leaders in Manipur. Such barbaric violence against innocent lives is unacceptable and has no place in any civilised society. Condolences to the bereaved families and the church community during this time of grief.”