3 Church Leaders Killed in Manipur Ambush

Three church leaders from the Thadou Baptist Association were killed and four others injured when suspected militants ambushed their vehicles in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, police said.

The attack occurred between Kotzim and Kotlen villages as the group returned from a religious congregation in Churachandpur. Those killed were identified as Reverend V. Sitlhou, a former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention who had recently led peace initiatives between Kuki and Naga communities; Reverend Kaigoulen; and Pastor Paogoulen. The injured were admitted to Shija Hospitals and Research Institute in Imphal, where Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam visited them. Singh announced the state government would cover all medical expenses and directed authorities to provide top care.

Police described the assailants as suspected militants who targeted two vehicles carrying the church leaders. No arrests have been made, and investigations continue. Some Kuki groups, including Kuki Inpi Manipur and the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust, alleged involvement by Naga militant factions such as...