UKHRUL: The Naga Students Federation (NSF) has strongly condemned the recent ‘outrageous’ ambush on the church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association, which resulted in the brutal killing of three individuals and left five others severely injured. The victims were returning from Churachandpur when the attack occurred. Among those tragically killed were Rev. V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou.
Also read | Naga Legislatures’ Forum, Manipur, Condemns Killing of Wilson Thanga
The Federation also condemns the deadly ambush in the Joujangtek area of Noney District on May 13, 2026, where a Chiru Naga civilian, Wilson Thanga, was mercilessly killed on the spot, and his wife sustained critical injuries. Furthermore, it condemns the alleged abduction of two innocent religious men: Brother Peter Kovisie Poji from the Pochury Naga community and Brother Aching Paul from the Rongmei Naga community, who were taken at Saparmaina while traveling from Don Bosco Imphal to Don Bosco Maram on the night of May 13, 2026.
Additionally, the Federation stated that it is deeply disturbed by reports of eighteen innocent Nagas from Konsakhul village taken hostage by individuals from Leilon Vaiphei village.
Also read | Home Dept Holds Talks with Senapati CSOs; Deadline Extended Till May 16
“While peace remains a core concern for the Nagas, the indiscriminate killings and abductions of innocent civilians have obliterated any sense of humanity. The Naga Students Federation questions the continued inaction of both the State and Central Governments, despite the recurring attacks that continually claim innocent lives. While the two religious brothers and twelve women hostages have reportedly been released, the atrocities committed against the Nagas remain unresolved. Therefore, the NSF demands the unconditional and immediate release of all Naga hostages unharmed by the perpetrators,” the NSF said.
Further, the NSF reiterated that the Naga people do not condone violence, nor will they remain silent spectators while injustice burns before their eyes. “If history demands courage, we shall answer-not with fear, but with resistance. Any provocation or attack against one Naga shall be viewed as an attack against all Nagas. We stand together as one people, rooted in our ancestral land, and committed to our rights and identity,” the NSF said.
Also read | Evacuating Coexistence: The Hidden Cost of Population Transfer in Manipur
“The aggressors must immediately desist from waging war and inciting violence, lest we go even,” the press note concluded.