Lamka, May 13, 2026: At least four Kuki pastors were killed, four others critically injured, while one person reportedly escaped unhurt after suspected militants allegedly ambushed two vehicles travelling along the Lamka–Kangpokpi road on Wednesday morning.
According to sources, the victims included six pastors and two drivers travelling together when the attack took place between Kotjim and Veitum/Jangnomphai area. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and condemnation across Kuki civil society organisations.
The deceased and travellers have been identified as:
- Rev. SM Haopu
- Rev. Hekai Simte
- Rev. Kaigoulun
- Rev. Paothang
- Pastor Paogou
- Lelen (Driver)
- Goumang (Driver)
Among the fatalities confirmed so far are:
- Pu Vumthang Sitlhou
- Pastor Paogoulen
- Pastor Kaigoulun
Several of the injured victims are said to be in critical condition.
According to sources, one of the deceased, Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, was the son of Rev. Pakho Sitlhou, a prominent Kuki Christian leader credited with bringing Christianity to many Rongmei communities. Rev. Pakho Sitlhou had reportedly translated numerous Kuki gospel songs into the Rongmei language, contributing significantly to inter-community Christian outreach and fellowship.
Sources further stated that Rev. Pakho Sitlhou’s wife and Rev. Vumthang’s mother belongs to the Rongmei community from Sempang village.
Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou’s brother, Henkholen Sitlhou, is the founder of Presidency College, Motbung. Rev. Vumthang himself had also served as the General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention and was widely respected among Christian communities in the state.
Following the incident, Thadou organisations in Kangpokpi district announced an immediate total shutdown condemning the killing of innocent religious leaders.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur District, also declared an emergency indefinite shutdown across Churachandpur district with effect from 12:30 PM on May 13.
In a press release issued by KSO Churachandpur, the organisation strongly condemned the “heinous ambush and brutal killing of innocent TBA Church leaders,” calling the act “inhuman, condemnable and unacceptable.” The organisation further blamed the continued failure of state law enforcement agencies in curbing the activities of “terrorist groups such as ZUF-Kamson (NSCN IM’s proxy) and Arambai Tenggol.”
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| Injured. |
KSO appealed to all sister organisations and the public to cooperate and maintain peace during the shutdown period. However, medical emergencies, press and media services, electricity, and religious ceremonies have been exempted from the purview of the shutdown.
The organisation also warned that any group unwilling to cooperate with the shutdown would be viewed as disrespecting the departed souls.
~ KHALVONTAWI News
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