Edited by Nengcha Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 14, 2026
The Kuki Worship Service London, representing the minority Kuki Christian community in Britain, has issued a strong condemnation of the deadly ambush on Kuki church leaders and civilians that took place between Kotzim and Kotlen. In a statement released Tuesday, the organisation blamed the ZUF-Kamson faction and associated VBIGs for the attack, which left three church leaders dead and five others injured. The group called the killings a direct assault on religious leaders and a grave human rights violation that demands immediate international scrutiny.
Expressing profound grief, KWS London mourned the deaths of Reverend V. Sitlhou, Reverend Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen, all of whom were killed in the May 13 ambush while traveling from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi. The organisation noted that Reverend Sitlhou had just attended the 1st United Baptist Convention Assembly at GBA Centre Church, Chiengkonpang, held under the theme “One in Christ,” and was returning when the convoy was attacked. KWS described Reverend Sitlhou as a man of grace, dedication, and peace whose ministry was defined by service to the church and efforts to foster reconciliation between communities.
Recalling his legacy as a peacemaker, the statement highlighted Reverend Sitlhou’s earlier work toward reconciliation between Kuki and Tangkhul communities, where he had collaborated with the NJCF in Kohima to bridge divides. “To kill a peace worker returning from a gathering of unity is heartbreaking and unconscionable,” the KWS said, adding that the targeting of clergy undermines both religious freedom and the prospects for peace in the region. The group extended prayers and words of comfort to the bereaved families, the injured, and all those affected by the tragedy, affirming solidarity with the victims’ families in their hour of loss.
The London-based diaspora body urged the Government of India to launch a full and transparent investigation into the ambush and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted without delay. It said accountability is essential not only for justice but to restore confidence among vulnerable religious and community leaders in Manipur. The KWS warned that continued impunity for attacks on Christian leaders would deepen the sense of insecurity and erode faith in constitutional protections for minorities.
Calling for international intervention, KWS London appealed directly to the United Kingdom government and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to exert diplomatic pressure on India over the incident. The organisation stated that the deliberate targeting of Christian leaders and civilians constitutes a serious human rights concern that requires urgent attention from the global community. It urged democratic nations and human rights bodies to monitor the situation and press for safeguards to protect Kuki Christians and other minorities in the region.
