Suspected militants ambushed two vehicles in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, killing three church leaders and injuring four others. A separate attack in Noney district killed one civilian and wounded his wife.
The attack occurred in the morning between Kotzim and Kotlen villages as members of the Thadou Baptist Association returned from a religious congregation in Churachandpur. Among the dead were Reverend V Sitlhour, a former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Reverend Kaigoulen and Pastor Paogoulen. Four others were injured and taken to Shija Hospitals and Research Institute in Imphal.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh condemned the killings and said the state government would cover all medical expenses for the injured. He appealed for peace and restraint, adding that authorities would use every resource to bring the perpetrators to justice. A total shutdown was imposed in Kangpokpi district following the incident.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma also expressed sorrow and condemned the attack. The Naga Legislatures Forum called for the culprits to be booked at the earliest. In Noney district, civilian Wilson Thanga was killed and his wife injured in an attack around 8 pm between Jouzangtek and Nungsai villages. Manipur has seen ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023, resulting in at least 260 deaths.