Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has strongly condemned the killing of Kuki church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, describing the incident as “barbaric violence against innocent lives” that has “no place in any civilised society.”
In a statement posted on X, Rio expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the church community, while calling for peace amid rising tensions in the region.
The killings, which took place on Wednesday between Kotzim and Kotlen areas in Kangpokpi district, triggered sharp reactions from Kuki civil society organisations, student bodies and church groups.
According to statements issued by Kuki Inpi Manipur and the Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi & NCR, the victims included Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen and Pastor Paogoulen of the Thadou Baptist Association. Five others were reportedly critically injured in the ambush.
Kuki Inpi Manipur alleged that the attack was carried out by the ZUF-Kamson faction and VBIGs, describing it as a “cowardly and barbaric ambush” targeting unarmed church leaders and civilians.
The organisation said Rev. V. Sitlhou had recently participated in a peace mission alongside the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum in Kohima aimed at promoting reconciliation and dialogue between Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul communities.
In its statement, the organisation said the attack was especially disturbing because the victims had been involved in ongoing peace-building efforts. It urged the Government of India to immediately launch a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure swift justice. The body also appealed to churches, civil society organisations and democratic groups to unequivocally condemn the violence.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi & NCR announced that it would organise a candlelight programme and funeral service in response to what it termed the “merciless and cowardly killing” of church leaders. The student body called on media organisations to attend the programme so that “voices calling for justice, peace and accountability may reach a wider audience.”
The incident comes amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur and recent strains between Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul groups in parts of the hill districts.
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