Three senior Christian priests were killed and several others injured after armed militants ambushed two vehicles in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, intensifying tensions in the violence-hit northeastern state.
According to community sources, the victims were returning from a church conference in Churachandpur and were travelling towards Kangpokpi when unidentified gunmen opened fire between Kotzim and Kotlen areas. Security forces have launched a large-scale search operation to trace those responsible for the attack.
Senior Church Leaders Among Those Killed
The deceased were identified as Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen and Pastor Paogoulen, all associated with the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA). Community members said the priests were involved in inter-community peace and reconciliation efforts between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga groups.
The delegation reportedly included leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association and the United Baptist Council. Eight people were travelling in the two vehicles during the ambush. One person escaped without injuries, while others sustained serious wounds and were shifted for treatment.
Rights Group Calls Attack ‘Pre-Planned’
The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) strongly condemned the killings and described the attack as a “pre-planned” attempt to derail ongoing peace initiatives in the region.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.