Church leaders killed, many injured in deadly ambush in Kangpokpi; Thadou bodies call total shutdown

Tension gripped Kangpokpi district after three church leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) were killed and several others sustained serious injuries in a deadly ambush carried out by armed miscreants between Kotzim and Kotlen villages today morning.
The attack has triggered widespread outrage among the Thadou civil bodies and Kuki-Zo organisatons calling for an immediate total shutdown along the Imphal-Dimapur road in Kangpokpi district and Churachandpur district from 12 noon today in protest against the killing.
According to initial reports, Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. V. Kaigoulun and Pastor Paogoulen. all prominent TBA leader and former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, were killed on the spot when armed assailants opened fire on the convoy.
The church leaders were reportedly returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur after attending a TBA conference when they came under attack along the newly constructed and controversial German-Tiger Road.
Sources said the victims were travelling in two vehicles when they were ambushed midway in what appears to have been a well-planned attack. Several passengers sustained bullet injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities.
The injured persons have been identified as Rev. SM Haopu, Rev. Hekai Simte, Rev. Kaigoulun, Rev. Paothang, along with drivers Lelen and Goumang. The exact number of casualties and injured persons was yet to be officially confirmed at the time of filing this report.
Thadou organisations alleged the involvement of the ZUF-Kamson faction and Village Volunteer/Armed Groups (VBIGs) in the ambush. However, no official confirmation has been issued by security agencies so far.
The killing of a respected church leader has sent shockwaves across the region, intensifying fears over the deteriorating security situation in the hill districts and the growing threat posed by armed groups operating along sensitive routes.