The Kuki Students’ body condemned the killing of three Thadou-Kuki church leaders, demanding a fair, time-bound investigation and action against those responsible.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, May 30, 2026 — The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) Delhi & NCR has condemed the ongoing persecution and targeted victimisation of the Kuki-Zo people in Manipur
In a press statement released on the day of a nationwide rally organised by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the KSO highlighted fresh incidents of violence, including the recent murder of three Thadou-Kuki church leaders and the continued detention of 14 Kuki-Zo civilians.
More than three years after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023 — which has displaced thousands, destroyed villages, and claimed hundreds of lives — the KSO says the Kuki-Zo community continues to face attacks, displacement, and denial of justice. The organisation expressed “deep anguish, grave concern, and an urgent appeal for justice, protection, and a lasting political resolution.”
Brutal Killing of Church Leaders
The statement strongly condemns the ambush and killing of three senior Thadou-Kuki church leaders on May 13, 2026. Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou (President of the Thadou Baptist Association), Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen were travelling in two vehicles from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi after a church meeting when they were attacked in Kangpokpi district. The KSO attributes the attack to the ZUF (Kamson Faction), described as a proxy of the NSCN-IM.
“No arrests have been made to date,” despite widespread public outrage, the KSO noted. It has called on the Government of India and central agencies for an immediate, fair, and time-bound investigation, the apprehension of those responsible, and adequate compensation for the bereaved families. The killings are described as “not merely an attack on individuals but an assault on humanity, peace, and religious freedom.”
READ: Kuki Inpi Manipur Slams Village Burning, Suspends Shutdown
Demand for Release of 14 Hostages
The KSO expressed serious concern over the continued illegal detention of 14 Kuki-Zo individuals by Manipur Naga groups in Senapati district. The abductions reportedly occurred in the aftermath of the May 13 killings, triggering retaliatory actions and a hostage crisis involving civilians from both Kuki-Zo and Naga communities.
While some hostages were released earlier through mediation, the KSO demanded the safe, immediate, and unconditional release of the remaining 14, along with criminal proceedings against those involved.
End Selective Justice and Violence
The statement accuses authorities of a pattern of “selective justice,” where action is swift in cases involving Kuki-Zo perpetrators but absent when Kuki-Zo people are victims. It highlights the broader humanitarian crisis: thousands displaced, hundreds of villages and places of worship destroyed, and an atmosphere of fear persisting in Kuki-Zo areas.
The KSO urged the government to:
*Ensure comprehensive security in Kuki-Zo-inhabited areas
*Prevent further violence and communal persecution
*Dismantle armed groups responsible for attacks
*Guarantee humanitarian access and freedom of movement
*Uphold constitutional rights without discrimination
*Push for Separate Political Arrangement
In its political demand, the organisation called for expediting a “meaningful political dialogue” under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework. It urged the Centre to work toward an “honourable, constitutional, and lasting political solution,” including a separate political arrangement that guarantees the safety, dignity, and peaceful coexistence of the Kuki-Zo people. Continued delays, it warned, would only prolong instability.
The press release concludes by reiterating that the Kuki-Zo people seek neither sympathy nor special favour, but equal protection under the Constitution and the fundamental right to live with dignity and peace. It calls on the Government of India to act with urgency: deliver justice to victims, secure hostage releases, hold perpetrators accountable, and pursue a political settlement.
The statement aligns with broader protests and rallies by Kuki organisations across India. As Manipur marks over three years of conflict, the latest incidents involving church leaders and hostages have reignited tensions, particularly between Kuki-Zo and Naga groups, even as the original Meitei-Kuki divide remains unresolved.
The central and state governments have not yet issued a detailed response to this specific statement, while security forces continue operations in affected districts amid calls for impartial intervention and lasting peace.
