Lamka, May 13, 2026: The 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 on Kuki-Zo Church leaders and civilians between Kotzim and Kotlen areas on Tuesday.
In a press statement issued from its secretariat in Lamka, KIM stated that the deadly attack claimed the lives of three individuals — Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen — while five others sustained critical injuries and are currently battling for their lives.
The organisation expressed deep anguish over the killing of Rev. V. 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.
Meanwhile, condemnations over the gruesome ambush have begun pouring in from various organisations, civil society groups, Church bodies, and community leaders across the region. Several groups have issued strong press statements denouncing the attack and demanding justice for the victims. Photographs and video clips related to the incident have also surfaced and are being widely circulated on social media, drawing shock and outrage from the public.
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