Three Baptist pastors were shot dead in an ambush in India’s northeastern state of Manipur on Wednesday, May 13, while they travelling home from a conference.
Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Church, Pastor Paogoulen and Pastor Kaigoulun — were killed in a brutal ambush in Kangpokpi district, Manipur. According to reports shared by Kuki groups, the pastors allegedly sacrificed their lives while protecting civilians travelling behind them.
At least five others were wounded.
The victims were senior leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI), a Baptist denomination rooted in the Thadou-Kuki community of Manipur.
They had attended the United Baptist Convention Assembly in Churachandpur, a town in Manipur’s southern hill district. The inter-church peace conference focused on easing tensions between tribal Christian communities in the conflict-hit state.
The pastors were traveling back to Kangpokpi, in two vehicles, when gunmen ambushed their convoy between the villages of Kotzim and Kotlen along the Imphal-Tamenglong highway at around 10:25 a.m.
One of those killed, Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou – was a prominent advocate for reconciliation between Manipur communities.
The injured include other church leaders SM Haopu, Hekai Simte and Paothang and drivers Lelen and Goumang.
Following the incident, an immediate blockade was imposed along National Highway-2 (NH-2), a crucial lifeline connecting Manipur with Nagaland and the rest of the country. Tension also spread across Kangpokpi and adjoining Kuki settlements.
India’s major Christian bodies, regional governments and community organisations across the Northeast have condemned the attack.
Manipur state in North-east India, has faced persecution for a number of years. In 2023, around 200-400 churches were burnt and 7000 homes completely destroyed – leaving thousands displaced.
The killings struck at ongoing efforts by Christian leaders to reduce tensions between the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities, both largely Christian tribal populations whose relations have deteriorated in recent months amid Manipur’s wider ethnic conflict.
Following the incident, Thadou community organisations called a general strike in the Sadar Hills region of Kangpokpi district to protest the killings.
Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal, immediately appealed not to give in to the urge to seek revenge.
In a statement, he said: “It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I express my profound grief over the tragic ambush on two vehicles carrying some church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) between Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district on 13th May 2026. This painful incident, in which innocent lives were lost and several others injured, has caused immense anguish and further deepened the suffering and uncertainty already prevailing in the state. I strongly condemn this heinous act committed against religious leaders who have remained a source of hope and strength during these difficult times of social unrest. Manipur continues to witness fresh and sporadic violence in different parts of the State, further deepening the pain faced by its people. Such tragic events remind us of the urgent need to uphold the sanctity of human life and renew our commitment to peace and reconciliation. Violence only deepens wounds, prolongs suffering, and weakens the bonds that unite communities. The people of Manipur have already endured immense pain, loss and suffering, and there is a growing longing everywhere for healing, understanding, and a return to normalcy”.
The prelate made “a sincere and humble appeal to all concerned to refrain from every form of violence and retaliation, and instead embrace dialogue, forgiveness, reconciliation, restraint, and peaceful coexistence.”
He urged “the authorities and responsible institutions to act with wisdom, fairness, and sensitivity so that peace with justice may prevail and confidence among communities may be restored.
“In this dark hour, I express my prayerful solidarity with the bereaved families. We turn to God, the source of all compassion and mercy. We commend the souls of the innocent victims into his loving embrace. May the God of peace comfort the grieving, heal the wounded, forgive the wrong, protect all communities, and bless Manipur with reconciliation, understanding, and lasting peace.”
(Picture Courtesy: Rooted in Him)
