Edited by St. Ginth Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 14, 2026
The Kuki community in New Delhi and Churachandpur held candlelight vigils Tuesday evening to mourn Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen, who were killed in the May 13 ambush in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. Hundreds gathered in both locations to pay tribute to the church leaders, described as men of peace who were targeted while returning from a religious convention.
In New Delhi, the Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi & NCR organised a solemn service at Jantar Mantar, attended by students, church members, professionals, and diaspora families. Participants held placards demanding justice and lit candles in memory of the slain pastors. Speakers at the vigil condemned the attack as a “merciless and cowardly killing” and urged the Government of India to ensure swift action against those responsible. The KSO appealed to media organisations to amplify calls for peace and accountability.
A parallel vigil was held at Peace Ground, Churachandpur, where church groups, women’s organisations, and youth bodies gathered in prayer and solidarity. Local pastors led hymns and prayer sessions for the bereaved families and the five others injured in the ambush between Kotzim and Kotlen. Mourners described Rev. Sitlhou as a dedicated peacemaker who had worked with the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum to promote reconciliation between Kuki and Tangkhul communities.
Community leaders at both events called the killing of unarmed clergy an assault on religious freedom and a blow to peace efforts in the region. They reiterated demands for an NIA probe, deployment of neutral central forces, and protection for religious leaders in conflict areas. Many participants wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence for the victims.
The vigils come amid widespread condemnation of the attack from civil society organisations and state leaders across the Northeast. Organisers said the candlelight services were not only to honour the three church leaders but also to send a message that violence against men of faith would not silence the community’s pursuit of justice and peace.
