Edited by Elvish Haokip, Kukiland Express Desk
Songpi: May 13, 2026
The Kuki Inpi Manipur on Tuesday strongly condemned the “cowardly and barbaric” ambush on a convoy of Kuki church leaders between Kotzim and Kotlen areas in Kangpokpi District, which left three dead and five others critically injured. According to the Kuki Inpi, the attack was allegedly carried out by the ZUF-Kamson faction and VBIGs on May 13. Those killed were identified as Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen. The five injured, including pastors and two civilian drivers, are battling for their lives. The leaders were returning from a religious conference when their vehicles were fired upon.
Rev. V. Sitlhou, one of the deceased, was a senior church leader and noted peacemaker who had recently led a peace mission with the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum in Kohima. The Kuki Inpi said the mission sought to foster peace, reconciliation, and mutual understanding between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities. During the Kohima meeting, Christian leaders from both sides had deliberated on peaceful coexistence, restraint, and dialogue as the only way forward amid rising tensions. The apex body called his death “profoundly heartbreaking and enraging,” stating that a man dedicated to reconciliation had fallen victim to a merciless and calculated act of violence.
In its statement, the Kuki Inpi said the Kuki people have exercised “maximum restraint” despite repeated provocations, intimidation, and targeted aggression to prevent further escalation. However, it argued that the ambush on unarmed church leaders and civilians was a direct assault on the spirit of peace itself. The body questioned the intent and timing of the attack, noting it came as church leaders and civil society organisations were encouraging sincere dialogue to restore harmony between communities. The targeting of religious figures, it added, undermines all efforts toward reconciliation.
The Kuki Inpi urged the Government of India to immediately launch a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators are swiftly identified and brought to justice. It also appealed to all civil society organisations, churches, and democratic forces to unequivocally condemn the attack and stand against targeted violence on innocent civilians and religious leaders. The body warned that repeated attacks on the Kuki community, if met with inaction, will severely endanger already fragile prospects of peace and coexistence in the region. While peace efforts remain necessary, it said, “barbaric crimes such as this are utterly unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”
Conveying its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Kuki Inpi Manipur also prayed for the speedy recovery of the critically injured. It further called on the Kuki people to remain united, vigilant, and steadfast during this painful time. The statement was issued by Janghaolun Haokip, Secretary of Information and Publicity, from the KIM Secretariat in Lamka.
Disclaimer: This report is based on statements issued by the Kuki Inpi Manipur and preliminary local accounts. Allegations regarding those responsible for the ambush have not yet been independently verified by official authorities.
