The ambush killing of prominent Kuki-Zo Baptist church leaders has triggered widespread outrage, with civil society groups urging authorities to launch an impartial investigation.
BY PC Bureau
May 13, 2026 — Multiple Kuki-Zo organisations, women’s forums, Baptist conventions, and pan-Christian bodies have issued strong condemnations and appeals for peace following the brutal ambush killing of three senior Kuki-Zo Baptist church leaders in Kangpokpi district earlier today.
The victims — Rev. Dr. Vumthang (V.) Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen (Paogou) Sitlhou — were ambushed around 11:00 a.m. while returning to Kangpokpi from the United Baptist Church Conference held in Lamka (Churachandpur). Their two clearly marked vehicles (labelled “Mission & Evangelist”) came under attack between the Kotzim and Kotlen areas. Five other members of the delegation sustained serious injuries.
Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) Strongly Condemns “Brutal and Senseless” Attack
In an official condemnation (KZC/SIP/PR/050 dated May 13, 2026), the Kuki-Zo Council described the incident as a “barbaric act” allegedly carried out by the ZUF Kamson group along with Meitei terrorists. The council expressed “deep sorrow and outrage” over the targeting of unarmed religious leaders “devoted to faith, peace, and service to humanity.”
Highlighting the personal tragedy, the KZC noted that Rev. V. Sitlhou’s mother belonged to the Rongmei Naga community and that he had actively worked for peace between Kuki and Naga groups, including recent missions with the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum. “It is heartbreaking that a man dedicated to reconciliation was killed so mercilessly,” the statement said.
READ: Suspected Naga Militants Kill Three Kuki Church Leaders in Manipur
Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum (Delhi & NCR) Blames NSCN-IM and ZUF
The Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum Delhi & NCR termed the killings a “targeted massacre of innocent Kuki Christian pastors” allegedly carried out by cadres of the NSCN-IM in collusion with the ZUF. In its strongly worded release, the forum listed the deceased and injured and condemned the cold-blooded attack on a delegation that had just attended an inter-association ecclesiastical meeting.
The women’s body accused the NSCN-IM of betraying its own slogan, “Nagaland for Christ,” and urged the Government of India and law enforcement agencies to take “immediate and decisive action.”
Evangelical Baptist Convention Issues Grievance and Appeal
The Evangelical Baptist Convention (EBC), headquartered in Churachandpur, expressed deep distress in its official “Grievance & Appeal” (No. EBC/GS/1(01)/2026). Signed by General Secretary Rev. K. Kamchinkhup, the statement called the killings a “painful and heart-breaking moment for the churches of Manipur.”
The EBC urged all believers to uphold prayer and restraint, warning against any form of retaliation. “This is a time for the Church to stand firmly for truth, peace, reconciliation, and the sanctity of human life,” it said.
Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) Calls for Justice and Restraint
From New Delhi, the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) issued a statement expressing “deep grief and anguish.” EFI confirmed the deaths and injuries and described the attack on unarmed church leaders returning from Christian fellowship as “deeply disturbing and tragic.”
The national body appealed to authorities to ensure urgent medical care, protection for affected communities, and an impartial investigation. It also called on all communities and leaders “to act with restraint and prevent any further escalation of violence.”
The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) condemns the brutal killing of 3 Kuki Church pastors by terrorists in Manipur.https://t.co/0E95rqS61A@realDonaldTrump @EmmanuelMacron @BaptistWorld @UN_HRC @MIB_India @ANI @PTI_News @AJEnglish @BBCNews @cnni @fernanddev pic.twitter.com/zH6uQ85BSa
— Sumkawn (@Sumkawn) May 13, 2026
Hmar Christian Leaders’ Forum Voices Shock and Solidarity
The Hmar Christian Leaders’ Forum, an ecumenical platform, issued a detailed “Expression of Outrage and Condemnation.” Chairman Rev. Dr. Lalrosiem Songate and Secretary Rev. Lungawiruol Khawbung described the killings as “an unforgivable crime” and “an assault on humanity, religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence.”
The forum appealed to all armed groups to refrain from the cold-blooded killing of innocent civilians and urged every community to “exercise maximum restraint and reject the cycle of retaliatory violence.”
Common Thread: Appeal for Peace and Justice
Across all statements runs a common appeal for a swift government investigation, protection of Christians, and an immediate end to the cycle of violence. Several organisations highlighted that the victims were prominent peace-builders and that the attack occurred in broad daylight on clearly identified church vehicles.
Church and community leaders have called for special prayers across Manipur and the Northeast, urging believers to place their trust “not in violence or retaliation, but in God Almighty.”
As hostage situations and fresh clashes were reported in other parts of the hills later in the day, the collective voice of Kuki-Zo civil society, women’s groups, Baptist churches, and Hmar Christian forums has emerged as a powerful demand for justice and restraint amid Manipur’s continuing ethnic turmoil.
