May 21 release names 17 Nagaland leaders and groups, flags fragile Manipur situation after May 13 Kangpokpi ambush
Songpi; May 21, 2026
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) on May 21 extended gratitude to leaders, churches, and civil society organisations in Nagaland for condemning the May 13 ambush in Kangpokpi district that killed three Kuki Baptist pastors. The victims were Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou. KIM said the “barbaric attack” on “innocent servants of God returning from a peace-related church event” had deeply pained the community.
In its press release 04/KIM/PR/25-28, KIM listed 17 Nagaland leaders and organisations that voiced solidarity. They are: 1. Pu Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland; 2. Pu Yanthungo Patton, Deputy Chief Minister & Home Minister; 3. Nagaland Joint Christian Forum; 4. Nagaland Baptist Pastors’ Union; 5. Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations; 6. Nagaland Baptist Church Council; 7. Angami Baptist Church Council; 8. Ao Baptist Arogo Mundang; 9. Lotha Baptist Churches Association; 10. United Christian Forum; 11. Naga Mothers’ Association; 12. Kuki Inpi Nagaland; 13. Nagaland Zeliang People’s Organization; 14. Zeliangrong Baudi, Nagaland; 15. Zeliang Kuki Public Organization; 16. WC, Naga National Political Groups; 17. NSCN/GPRN (Reformation).
KIM particularly acknowledged the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum and Nagaland Baptist Church leaders for “tirelessly working for peace and reconciliation between the Naga and Kuki peoples in Manipur.” The statement said their advocacy for dialogue, restraint, and brotherhood has been a “source of hope amid difficult times.” KIM appealed to them to continue the work, saying their role “remains crucial for peace to prevail in the region.”
The apex Kuki body also placed on record its thanks to Deputy CM Yanthungo Patton for “countless assistance and support extended to Manipur Kukis who were stranded or in need in Nagaland.” It requested him to continue the humanitarian support.
While thanking Nagaland for solidarity, KIM said the situation in Manipur “remains fragile and requires close attention.” It appealed to “Naga brothers and sisters in Nagaland” to continue monitoring developments in Manipur and to use their “good offices to promote peaceful co-existence and prevent any further escalation.” The release added that “the road to lasting peace demands collective commitment from all communities” and that moral support, prayers, and continued advocacy for justice and harmony “will go a long way in healing wounds and building trust.”
