Chassad/Kamjong: The Kuki Baptist Convention (KBC) has strongly condemned a series of brutal attacks on villagers of Chassad in Kamjong District, Manipur, that left two persons dead and several others critically injured, including the torching of Church properties and civilian houses.
In a press release issued from Churachandpur on 18th October 2026, Ref. No. 1/62/KBC/MISC/2026-06, General Secretary Rev. Dr. Letkhothang Haokip stated that the Convention expresses its profound shock over the killing of Mrs. Hatneikim Haokip, wife of Mr. Jamkhongam Haokip of Chassad village, on 16th October 2026. According to the release, she was killed in an ambush between Phaikoh and Molvailup. It is widely reported that she was murdered after being subjected to severe physical assault, and that three other persons, including her husband, sustained fatal injuries in the same attack.
The violence continued the next day. On the evening of 17th October 2026, villagers who were engaged in repairing electricity in the village were attacked. The assault claimed the life of Mr. Seikhohao Haokip, husband of Mrs. Veineihoi Haokip of Chassad village, and left three other civilians critically injured, including the Village Chief. The KBC stated that the departed, Mrs. Hatneikim Haokip and Mr. Seikhohao Haokip, along with those recuperating from injuries, were all esteemed members of the KBC Central Church Chassad, under KBC Gambih No. 17 of the Kuki Baptist Convention.
The Convention also recalled that just a few days ago, Mrs. Domkhonei Touthang and Mr. Michael Ngamminlen Haokip were also brutally killed by the same group, indicating a pattern of targeted attacks on members of the Chassad Christian community. The KBC said it notes with deep sorrow the loss of its members in what it described as reprehensible and inhumane acts.
In addition to the loss of lives, the perpetrators went on to set ablaze key Church infrastructure and civilian properties. According to the press release, the Pastor’s Quarters and Church Office of KBC Central Church Chassad, the Church Kitchen, the Church Chowkidar’s Quarters, along with numerous other houses in the village were reduced to ashes. The Convention said it is profoundly regrettable that even the sacred residences of ordained pastors and consecrated Church properties were not spared and were callously destroyed.
Expressing serious concern over the security situation, the KBC stated that it is deeply alarming that such atrocities are being committed in the immediate presence of security forces deployed in the area, despite repeated fervent appeals by the villagers for protection. The Convention alleged grave lapses on the part of government security agencies stationed there. It earnestly appealed to the Government to strengthen security measures so that the people’s fundamental right to life and liberty is not violated, and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice and punished to the fullest extent of the law without further delay.
Finally, the KBC appealed to all peace-loving citizens across communities to raise their voices for peace, harmony and compassion, and to unequivocally shun violence and hatred against one another. Stating that it stands in solidarity with each of its Church members in this hour of profound grief and trial, the Convention prayed that God may comfort, protect, and sustain all the affected families.
