Killing of three Thadou Baptist Association India leaders deepens tensions as shutdown continues in Manipur.
Share
DIMAPUR — The fallout from the killing of three Thadou church leaders continues to reverberate as the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) on Sunday demanded an NIA probe into the ambush attack, while Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) extended its shutdown for another 48 hours.
In a press release, the TIM alleged that Manipur authorities had failed to identify and arrest those responsible for the May 13 ambush at Zero Point on the inter-village road between Kotlen and Kotzim villages, which claimed the lives of three top executives of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI).
Those killed were identified as TBAI president Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, finance secretary Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum and pastor Paogoulun Sitlhou. Five others, including TBAI executive secretary Rev. SM Haopu, sustained injuries in the attack.
The organisation questioned why only the two TBAI vehicles, which reportedly bore visible identification plates, were targeted while other vehicles travelling along the same route remained unharmed.
Also read: Three church leaders killed, five injured in Manipur ambush
Kuki Inpi Nagaland condemns killing of 3 church leaders in Manipur ambush
The TIM claimed that the second vehicle carrying Rev. Dr. Vumthang was “particularly heavily attacked” and stated that at least 15 bullets were recovered from his body, suggesting that he may have been the primary target.
The organisation further alleged that the attack occurred in an area “dominated and controlled” by armed Kuki militant groups and called for an impartial and comprehensive probe examining every possible angle, including the possible involvement of both Kuki and Naga militant groups.
While stating that the motive behind the attack had not yet been established, the TIM described the killings as a “premeditated and targeted attack” and suggested that the victims may have been targeted due to their Thadou identity.
The organisation also referred to ideological tensions surrounding the assertion of distinct Thadou identity, including Rev. Dr. Vumthang’s role in promoting a Holy Bible translation “In Thadou” and efforts to strengthen Thadou Christian fellowships outside Manipur.
The TIM further raised questions over the speed with which Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) issued a statement shortly after the ambush, alleging the involvement of the ZUF-Kamson Group and linking it to the NSCN-IM.
“How did KIM identify the alleged perpetrators so quickly?” the organisation asked, adding that investigators must examine whether the statement was based on prior knowledge, insider information or an attempt to divert attention from the “real culprits”.
The organisation demanded that the case be handed over to the NIA and called for investigation into all possible roles and connections, including Kuki SoO groups such as the KRA, KLA and UKDA, as well as the proximity of a KRA/KNO “tax collection entry gate” near the ambush site.
Meanwhile, the KIM announced an extension of its ongoing 48-hour shutdown for another 48 hours from midnight of May 17, citing “continued inaction” by the government regarding its charter of demands submitted to the prime minister on May 14 and the failure to rescue Kuki individuals allegedly taken hostage in Senapati.
The KIM thanked its federating units, civil society organisations and the Kuki-Zo public for supporting the shutdown and urged continued cooperation during what it described as a “critical period”.
While exempting medical emergencies and essential humanitarian services, the organisation advised the public against unnecessary travel during the shutdown period.
In a separate statement, the KIM said that four days had passed since the killing of the three religious leaders and acknowledged that some detainees from both the Kuki-Zo and Naga sides had been released following government intervention.
However, it maintained that several individuals still remained in captivity and urged authorities to take immediate measures to secure their release.
“We stand today on the brink of a potentially violent conflict,” KIM stated, while appealing to all stakeholders, community leaders and civil society organisations to exercise restraint and prevent escalation into a Kuki-Naga confrontation.
The organisation called for “meaningful dialogue in the interest of peace, stability and coexistence” and warned that further violence would only benefit “forces actively seeking to provoke” communal conflict.