Edited by Kimbawinu Vaiphei, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 14, 2026
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma have strongly condemned the killing of three Kuki church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, allegedly by Tangkhul militant group ZUF-Kamson faction and allied VBIGs. Both leaders described the May 13 ambush between Kotzim and Kotlen as an attack on innocent lives and religious freedom, calling for immediate justice and peace in the region.
In a statement on X, CM Rio termed the incident “barbaric violence against innocent lives” that has “no place in any civilised society.” He extended condolences to the bereaved families of Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen of the Baptist church, and to the wider church community. Rio noted that Rev. Sitlhou had recently participated in a peace mission in Kohima with the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum to promote reconciliation between Kuki and Tangkhul communities, making the attack on peace workers especially disturbing.
Mizoram CM Lalduhoma also denounced the killings, stating that targeting unarmed church leaders returning from a religious gathering undermines the fabric of peace in the Northeast. He urged the Government of India to ensure a full and transparent investigation and to provide protection for community and religious leaders in conflict zones. Lalduhoma said the incident had caused deep anguish in Mizoram, where churches and civil society share close ties with Kuki communities in Manipur.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma joined the condemnations, calling the ambush on Kuki pastors a “shocking act of violence against men of faith.” In a post on Tuesday, Sangma expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and the Christian community, urging authorities to swiftly identify and punish the perpetrators. He said attacks on religious leaders threaten communal harmony in the region and called for heightened security for vulnerable groups in Manipur’s hill areas.
Kuki organisations including Kuki Inpi Manipur and the Kuki Human Rights Council have blamed the ZUF-Kamson faction, NSCN-IM, and VBIGs for the ambush, which also left five others critically injured. The groups have demanded an NIA probe under UAPA, deployment of neutral central forces, and swift prosecution of those responsible. The three chief ministers appealed for calm and urged all communities to reject violence, as civil society bodies announced candlelight services to honour the slain pastors.
