The church leaders were reportedly travelling to Churachandpur for a meeting when they came under heavy gunfire between Kotzim and Kotlen villages.
BY PC Bureau
May 13, 2026: In a major setback to ongoing peace efforts between the Kuki and Naga communities, a group of Kuki Baptist church leaders was ambushed by suspected Naga militants along the Kangpokpi–Lamka road on Wednesday, leaving at least four people dead and several others critically injured.
The attack reportedly took place between Kotzim and Kotlen villages while the church leaders were travelling to Churachandpur to attend an important meeting. According to preliminary reports, the victims were senior leaders associated with the Kuki Baptist Convention and affiliated churches.
Sources said the vehicles carrying the church leaders came under heavy gunfire from armed assailants suspected to be linked to Naga militant outfits operating in the area. Security forces rushed to the spot soon after the incident, and a large-scale search operation has reportedly been launched.
The victims have been identified as Rev.V.Sitlhou former general secy,Manipur Baptist convention and president Thadou Baptist Association, Pastor Paogou,Pastor kaigoulen and driver Lelen.
Rev.V.Sitlhou recently attedned a peace mission initiated by Nagaland joint christian forum on May 4 2026 at Kohima. His participation in the meeting was viewed as part of broader efforts to strengthen trust and reconciliation between the Kuki and Naga communities.
The incident has triggered widespread shock and anger within the Kuki-Zo community, particularly because several of the victims were actively involved in inter-community peace initiatives. Church organisations from Nagaland and Manipur have in recent months played a key role in facilitating dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further violence in the hill areas.
READ: Kuki Apex Body Warns Against Manipur CM’s Visit to Kuki-Zo Districts
Observers said the attack could severely undermine the fragile trust-building process between the two communities, which has been taking place amid an atmosphere of recurring violence, ethnic mistrust and political uncertainty.
The ambush also comes at a sensitive moment, just days after Kuki Inpi Manipur opposed the proposed visit of Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to Kuki-Zo inhabited districts.
Church bodies and civil society organisations from both communities strongly condemned the killings, with several leaders describing the attack as “an assault on the peace process itself.”
Security agencies have not officially confirmed the identity of the attackers so far. However, local sources and eyewitness accounts alleged the involvement of suspected Naga militant groups active in the region. Investigations are continuing.
The incident marks yet another violent episode in Manipur’s troubled hill districts, where efforts to restore peace and normalcy continue to face repeated setbacks.
