Three Thadou Baptist Association India leaders were killed and five injured in an ambush in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday.
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Thadou body calls attack ‘terrorist act’, seeks military crackdown and central probe
DIMAPUR — Three leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) were killed and five others injured after unidentified armed assailants ambushed two vehicles carrying the church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday morning.
The attack took place at around 10.30 am between Kotzim village and Saheibung village near Saheibung Peak-Zero Point in Kangchup Geljang sub-division, according to a statement issued by the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM), which condemned the incident and termed it a “heinous terrorist attack.”
The victims were travelling in a white Mahindra Bolero Neo and a white Mahindra Bolero BS6 when they were allegedly fired upon indiscriminately at close range near Sangaithel Manipur Olympian Park.
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Those killed in the attack were identified as Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, president of TBAI; Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, finance secretary of TBAI; and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou, superintendent pastor of IT Road/Twilang Area, TBAI.
Five others, including senior church leaders and drivers, sustained injuries in the ambush. They were identified as Rev. SM Haopu, executive secretary of TBAI; Rev. Hekai Simte, superintendent pastor of Twipajang Area; Rev. Kaikhothang Singsit, pastor of Centre Church Kangpokpi, TBAI; and drivers Thangtinlen Sitlhou and Lungoumang Lhouvum.
The TIM declared the three deceased church leaders as “Thadou Martyrs” and described the victims as “peace-loving church leaders” who were travelling on a spiritual and official mission.
The organisation urged the government of Manipur and the government of India to identify the perpetrators, hand the case over to central investigative agencies, and launch a “decisive military crackdown” against militants operating in the state.
The organisation also appealed for immediate measures to restore peace and ensure the protection of innocent civilians amid the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur.
Also, the TIM reiterated its stand that the Thadou community is a distinct ethnic group and “not Kuki”, alleging that Thadou people have repeatedly become victims of violence due to “misidentification” during the ongoing conflict.
The organisation cited previous incidents, including the killing of an alleged Thadou civilian in 2025, and appealed to all groups not to politicise the latest attack.
No group had claimed responsibility for the ambush at the time of filing this report.