Three people were killed and four others injured after suspected militants opened fire on two vehicles carrying members of the Thadou Baptist Association in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, police said.
The attack took place between Kotzim and Kotlen villages when the group was returning from Churachandpur after attending a religious congregation.
Police said suspected militants ambushed the vehicles and fired indiscriminately, leaving several occupants critically injured.
Among those killed were Reverend V Sitlhour, former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Reverend Kaigoulen and Pastor Paogoulen.
Three of the injured were admitted to the Shija Hospitals and Research Institute in Imphal for treatment.
Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said he, along with Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam and other officials, visited the injured at the hospital.
“I, along with Deputy Chief Minister Shri Losii Dikho, Home Minister Shri Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs and other concerned officials of the government, visited the injured and enquired about their well-being,” Singh said in a statement.
“The state government will bear all medical expenses for the injured, and I have directed the authorities to ensure they receive the highest standard of care,”
he added.
The chief minister condemned the attack and described terrorism and violence against civilians as unacceptable.
“This act of violence is deeply troubling and devastating not only for the families but for the entire state, as it disrupts our path to peace,” Singh said.
“There is no justification in any society for acts of terrorism in all its forms. The entire state and our people stand together against such an act of terror,” he added.
Singh appealed to all communities to maintain peace and avoid retaliatory actions, including abductions and intimidation along community lines.
Following the killings, a total shutdown was imposed in Kangpokpi district, with protesters forcing the closure of markets and halting vehicle movement along National Highway-2.
Arambai Tenggol denied involvement in the ambush and termed allegations against it as “baseless and politically motivated”.
Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Manipur condemned the attack and described Reverend V Sitlhour as a respected church leader and peacemaker.
The organisation said Sitlhour had recently participated in peace efforts alongside the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum in Kohima to promote reconciliation between Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul communities.
Security forces have launched search operations in the area, and investigations are underway.
Also read: Abducted woman rescued in Manipur’s Kamjong
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