UKHRUL: The Thadou Inpi Manipur has expressed profound grief, anger, and sorrow over the killing of three prominent Thadou church leaders in a targeted armed ambush in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.
Those killed were Dr. Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, President of the Thadou Baptist Association India; Rev. Kaigoulun; and Pastor Paogoulen. Five surviving pastors and church workers associated with the Thadou Baptist Association also sustained gunshot injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at Shija Hospitals and Research Institute.
In a statement issued by Thadou Inpi Manipur, the organisation condemned what it described as a targeted attack on the church leaders while they were returning toward Kangpokpi after attending a United Baptist Convention meeting in Churachandpur. The attack reportedly occurred along the so-called “Tiger–German” Road in Kangpokpi district.
The organisation also expressed gratitude to various organisations, institutions, public offices, and dignitaries including several Chief Ministers and Ministers who extended solidarity to the Thadou community and the bereaved families following the tragedy.
At the same time, Thadou Inpi Manipur strongly objected to sections of the media and certain individuals identifying the victims as “Kuki” instead of Thadou. The organisation described such references as inaccurate and deeply offensive, asserting that the slain leaders identified themselves as Thadou throughout their lives.
According to the statement, the continued use of labels such as “Kuki” or “Thadou-Kuki” against the wishes of the community causes further pain to grieving families and reinforces divisive narratives. The organisation maintained that the term “Kuki” is viewed by some sections of the Thadou community as a political label rather than an ethnic identity.
Thadou Inpi Manipur highlighted the contributions of Dr. Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, describing him as a respected church leader, peace advocate, and a leading voice for Thadou identity, unity, and resurgence. The organisation noted that he played a significant role in promoting the translation of the Holy Bible “In Thadou,” replacing earlier versions labelled “In Kuki.” It also acknowledged the historical contribution of early Thadou Christian missionary and literacy pioneer Pu Ngulhao Thomsong, who undertook one of the earliest Bible translations into Thadou.
The statement further noted that under Dr. Rev. Vumthang’s leadership, the Thadou Baptist Association had envisioned greater unity among Thadou Christians worldwide through the proposed Global Thadou Christian Congress, scheduled to begin later this year. The initiative aimed to connect Thadou churches beyond Manipur and strengthen a shared Thadou Christian identity.
Thadou Inpi Manipur also referred to reports linking Dr. Rev. Vumthang to a “Kuki Zo Flag” hoisting ceremony held at the Kuki Christian Church Community Hall on May 9, 2026. According to the organisation, Dr. Rev. Vumthang clarified before his death that he neither consented to participate in nor attended the event.
The organisation additionally stated that the Thadou Baptist Association had worked toward establishing a United Baptist Convention involving several Baptist bodies without including the term “Kuki” in the organisation’s name. It claimed that disagreements over naming led certain Kuki church groups to withdraw from the initiative.
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Following the killings, Thadou Inpi Manipur declared the three deceased leaders as “Thadou Martyrs” and appealed for their identity, dignity, and burial arrangements to be respected. The organisation also urged all groups to refrain from politicising the tragedy or interfering in matters concerning Thadou identity and community affairs.
Reaffirming its position, Thadou Inpi Manipur concluded by asserting that Thadou is a distinct identity and should not be described as subordinate to or part of any broader ethnic or political grouping.