Son Forgive Killers of Rev Sitlhou

Slain Reverend’s Son "Haominlun Sitlhou" Forgives Father’s Killers, Appeals for Release of Kuki Hostages as Thousands Mourn at Mass Burial

On the morning of 13 May 2026, three innocent men — Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen — lost their lives in a spray of bullets, while four others were left fighting for their lives in hospital after militants ambushed them while travelling in two vehicles from Lamka to Kangpokpi between Kotzim and Kotlen villages in Kangpokpi district, Manipur.

The Kuki-Zo people expressed deep anguish over the killing of Rev. Dr. Sitlhou, describing him as a respected Church leader and peacemaker. According to KIM, Rev. Sitlhou had recently taken part 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.

According to sources, one of the deceased, Rev. Dr. 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.

Meanwhile, around 14 Kuki civilians from Taphou and Hengbung remain unaccounted for amid the ongoing hostage crisis in Senapati district, Manipur. Families and communities continue to appeal for their safe release and return.

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A grieving daughter poured out her pain and heartbreak after losing her father, Reverend Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, who was killed in an ambush allegedly carried out by suspected Zeliangrong United Front (Kamson faction) militants backed by NSCN-IM on the morning of May 13, 2026, around 11 AM, between Kotzim and Kotlen areas in Kangpokpi district, Manipur.

Tina Sitlhou:  I refused to accept that you’re gone, Dad, but reality keeps waking me up, and the pain cuts deeper each time. My heart is heavy with grief, and I keep asking God, “Why? Why did it have to be now?” You didn’t deserve the hatred and violence that took you from us, especially when you spent your entire life choosing peace and standing for what was right. What hurts even more is knowing that the people who took your life were the same my grandfather- your -father helped lead to Christianity. That truth is so painful to carry. The irony of it all is something I cannot understand right now. 

Hepa, I’m going to miss you so much. I’ll miss waking up every morning to the Bible verses you always sent me. Those messages meant more to me than words can explain. 🫶🏼

Hepa, Rest in peace 🕊️. Your absence is felt in every breath, and the world feels quieter without you. May your memory live on like a gentle light in the darkness, bringing comfort to grieving hearts, healing where there is pain, and a fragile sense of unity where there has been loss.

Saying good bye to one of your favorite song, “It is well with my soul”. 😭

 Vumthang Sitlhou Hepa, I Love You So Much and I Will Miss You So Deeply…💔🥀

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Click: 3 Kuki Pastors killed in Manipur

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