Lamka, May 13, 2026: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes in Manipur, has strongly condemned what it described as a “cowardly and barbaric ambush” allegedly carried out by the ZUF-Kamson faction and VBIGs upon Kuki-Zo Church leaders and civilians between Kotzim and Kotlen areas on Tuesday.
In a press statement issued from its secretariat in Lamka, KIM said the attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals — Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen — while five others were critically injured and are battling for their lives.
The organisation expressed deep anguish over the incident, especially the killing of Rev. V. Sitlhou, whom it described as a respected Church leader and peacemaker. According to the statement, Rev. Sitlhou had recently participated in a peace mission alongside the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) in Kohima aimed at fostering reconciliation, peace, and mutual understanding between the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul communities.
KIM stated that Christian leaders from both communities had discussed peaceful coexistence, restraint, and dialogue as the only path forward amid rising tensions. It said the killing of a leader dedicated to peace and reconciliation was “profoundly heartbreaking and enraging.”
The organisation further said that despite repeated provocations, intimidation, and targeted aggression, the Kuki-Zo people had exercised maximum restraint in the interest of maintaining peace and preventing further escalation. However, it termed the ambush on unarmed Church leaders and civilians as a direct assault on the spirit of peace itself.
KIM also questioned the timing and intent behind the attack, noting that it occurred when sincere peace initiatives and dialogues were being encouraged by Church leaders and civil society organisations to restore harmony between communities.
Calling for immediate action, the organisation urged the Government of India to initiate a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly identified and brought to justice. It also appealed to civil society organisations, churches, and democratic forces to unequivocally condemn the violence and stand firmly against attacks on innocent civilians and religious leaders.
Kuki Inpi Manipur further appealed to the Kuki-Zo community to remain united, vigilant, and steadfast during what it described as a painful and difficult period. It warned that repeated targeted attacks against the community, if met with inaction, could severely endanger the already fragile prospects of peace and coexistence in the region.
While reiterating that efforts toward peace and reconciliation are always welcome and necessary, the organisation maintained that such “barbaric crimes” are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
The statement concluded with KIM conveying its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of those critically injured.
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