A screengrab from a video of the incident site between the villages of Kotzim and Kotlen in Kangpokpi district, Manipur where three church leaders were killed on May 13.
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 13
Three persons, including two reverends and a pastor, were killed and four others injured when suspected militants opened fire on two vehicles in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, police said.
As per a PTI report, the incident took place between Kotzim and Kotlen villages as members of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur after attending a religious congregation. Police added that suspected militants fired on the two vehicles in which the church leaders were travelling.
In a separate update, the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) has identified the three deceased as Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, President of Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI); Rev Kaigoulun Lhouvum, Finance Secretary of TBAI; and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou, Superintendent Pastor of IT Road/Twilang Area, TBAI.
According to TIM, five people were injured in the attack. The police had earlier put the number of injured at four. According to TIM, the injured include Rev SM Haopu, Executive Secretary of TBAI, Rev Kaikhothang Singsit, Pastor of Centre Church, Kangpokpi along with two drivers Thangtinlen Sitlhou and Lungoumang Lhouvum. Rev Hekai Simte, Superintendent Pastor of Twipajang Area, who sustained minor injuries.
Manipur CM vows justice, free medical aid
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh vehemently condemned the “dastardly terror act” and said the state government will bear all medical expenses of the injured, directing authorities to ensure the highest standard of care.
Of the four injured, three have been rushed to Shija Hospitals and Research Institute in Imphal, where the Chief Minister, along with Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, MLAs and other officials, visited them and enquired about their well-being.
In a statement, the CM said the violence was “deeply troubling and devastating” not only for the families but for the entire state, as it disrupts the path to peace. “Our state is gradually moving towards peace; therefore, actions that undermine this collective effort of our people to restore normalcy are unacceptable,” he said.
Asserting that terrorism and senseless acts of violence targeting innocent civilians have no room in a civilized society, Khemchand said the entire state and its people stand together against such acts of terror, and the resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable.
He appealed to all sections of society to uphold peace, show restraint, and refrain from emotional responses, while urging people to immediately stop abductions, hostage-taking, and intimidation on community lines. “This can only aggravate the situation,” he added.
The CM assured that every resource of the state would be used to bring the perpetrators and their handlers to justice. He prayed for the peace of the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured.
Nagaland CM condemns
The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr Neiphiu Rio has strongly condemned the alleged killing of a delegation of church leaders in Manipur. He stated that such barbaric and senseless violence against innocent lives is unacceptable and has no place in any civilised society.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the CM conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, the church community, and the people of Manipur during this time of grief. He also prayed for strength and comfort for all those affected by the tragedy.
Naga legislators urge restraint
The Naga Legislatures Forum, Manipur comprising nine legislators from the Naga community in the state, strongly condemned the incident. “This act of cold blooded murder of unarmed and peace loving religious leaders is unacceptable and we urge the law enforcement agencies to trace and book the culprit at the earliest,” the forum said in a statement.
The forum also appealed to the people of Manipur to exercise restraint and work collectively to restore peace and harmony in the state. The forum further appealed for the safe and early release of all civilians, both from the Naga and Kuki communities, who have been detained unharmed.
The signatories to the statement include Deputy Chief Minister L Dikho, Chairman of House Committee (HAC) Manipur Dinganglung Gangmei, and MLAs Awangbow Newmai (52-Tamei AC), Khasim Vashumn (45-Chingai AC), Janghemlung Panmei (53-Tamenglong AC), Leishiyo Keishing (43-Phungyar AC), Ram Muivah (44-Ukhrul AC), SS Olish (41-Chandel AC), and J Kumo Sha (47-Karong AC).
