Tragic Ambush in Manipur Claims Lives of Three Church Leaders

In a tragic incident on Wednesday, three church leaders were brutally killed, and five others sustained injuries when their vehicles came under attack while returning from a meeting in Churachandpur to Kangpokpi in Manipur. The ambush has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the ongoing violence in the region.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur, representing the apex body of the Kuki tribes, accused the armed Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson faction of being behind the ambush. However, a security official, speaking to The Indian Express on the condition of anonymity, stated that investigations were still ongoing to determine the specific militant involvement in this incident.

The deceased have been identified as Reverend V Sitlhou, Reverend Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen, all associated with the Thadou Baptist Association. They were en route home after attending a church leaders meeting when the attack occurred in the areas between Kotjim and Kotlen in Kangpokpi, according to local police reports.

Reverend Sitlhou had a notable history of promoting peace, having recently initiated reconciliation talks between the Kuki and Naga communities in Kohima amid rising tensions. Thangtinlen Haokip, a representative from the Kangpokpi-based Committee on Tribal Unity, highlighted Sitlhou’s efforts to bridge divides during a period of heightened conflict between the Kukis and Nagas.

The underlying conflicts in Manipur have deep historical roots, with the latest wave of violence erupting on February 7, following an alleged assault involving members of the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo communities. Such incidents have exacerbated existing hostilities and brought to light the delicate balance of peace that the region has struggled to maintain for years.

As investigations continue, community leaders and local residents are calling for justice and increased security measures to prevent further violence. The deaths of these church leaders not only represent a profound loss for their families and congregations but also underscore the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation in a region scarred by conflict.

Source: scroll.in