Story of Pastor Sehkhohao "Haopu" Kipgen — The First Person Killed in Meitei-Kuki Clash in India
On May 3, 2023, as the Tribal Solidarity March ended, Pastor Sehkhohao 'Haopu Kipgen' made his way back to his village in the Torbung–Kangvai area. He was already hurt — he told his family he had stepped on broken glass — but even with the pain, he refused to leave. While many were escaping to safety, he chose to stay. He quietly told his loved ones that he couldn't abandon his village at such a frightening moment.
As the hours passed, the situation grew worse. The road between Phougakchao-Ikhai and Kangvai became a zone of chaos and fear. Pastor Haopu, gentle and humble as always, stood there unarmed, hoping to protect his people. By late afternoon, he was surrounded by more than ten men. They beat him mercilessly and left him to die. He became one of the very first lives lost in the Manipur conflict.
His family later identified him from a video of the attack. They knew it was him because of the blue shirt he had worn that day. What they saw wasn't just violence — it was the heartbreaking end of a man who had spent his life serving, praying for, and caring for his community.
For the Kuki people, Pastor Haopu's death was the start of a dark and painful chapter. He didn't die fighting; he died standing for peace, choosing to stay with his people when he could have run. Today, he is remembered not just as a victim, but as a symbol of courage and faith — someone who showed humanity even when the world around him turned cruel.
His story is more than a tragedy. It reminds us of the real human cost of this conflict — and of the quiet heroes who choose compassion, even when it costs them everything.
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments not related to the topic will be removed immediately.