Kangpokpi: At least four persons, including three church leaders and a driver were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries in an alleged ambush by suspected armed militants in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday.
According to police sources, the incident occurred around 10 am between Kotlen and Kotzim villages along the Imphal–Tamenglong highway.
The church leaders, belonging to the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA), were reportedly travelling to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur after attending a TBA conference when the ambush took place.
The deceased have been identified as Rev. Dr. V Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), Rev. Kaigoulun, Pastor Paogoulen, and Lelen, the driver.
The exact number of injured persons could not be immediately ascertained at the time of filing this report.
Sources said members of the Thadou Baptist Association were travelling in two vehicles when they were allegedly ambushed midway.
Police sources further stated that at least 10 persons belonging to the Liangmai Naga community are reportedly being held hostage following the incident. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the hostage situation so far.
Meanwhile, organisations representing the Thadou community have called for an immediate total shutdown across Sadar Hills in Kangpokpi district in protest against the killings of the church leaders.
Five injured persons have been evacuated to Shija Hospitals & Research Institute in Imphal for advanced medical treatment.