UKHRUL: A brutal ambush on leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) and civilians between the two Kuki villages of Kotzim and Kotlen in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday left three people dead and five others critically injured. According to ground reports, more than 15 civilians from Konsakhul village are currently being held captive by alleged Kuki militants in Leilon Vaiphei village.
As per Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the attack was carried out allegedly by the Zeliangrong United Front–Kamsom faction and Valley-Based Insurgent Groups. The deceased have been identified as Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen. KIM stated that Rev. Sitlhou was a respected church leader who had recently led a peace mission alongside the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) in Kohima “to foster peace, reconciliation, and mutual understanding between the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul communities.”
The church leaders were reportedly returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur after attending a TBA conference in Churachandpur when they were ambushed en route.
The civilians from Konsakhul who are reportedly being held captive have been identified as Chonmi, Mira, Roji, Kachiaklung, Boypui, Wibonliu, Chalungkinliu, Pherilungbou, Pherongwibou, Kenpibou, Widimliu, Pawangbonliu, Lungrailiu, Kaliwangbou, and Rev. Manu.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation declared an immediate shutdown in Churachandpur from 12:30 pm on May 13. Thadou bodies in Kangpokpi also announced an immediate total shutdown across Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi.
Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Organisation has advised the public not to travel along the Imphal–Senapati Highway (NH-202) due to the prevailing tense situation.