Imphal, 14 May (HS): Fresh unrest has erupted in Manipur’s Kuki-Zo dominated regions following the killing of three church-affiliated individuals in a deadly ambush in Kangpokpi district, triggering widespread protests and demands for immediate justice.
According to an official statement issued by the Manipur Police Headquarters on Thursday, unidentified gunmen opened an indiscriminate fire on two vehicles near Saibung village under New Keithelmanbi Police Station on May 13. The attack, described as completely unprovoked, claimed the lives of three civilians while leaving four others seriously injured.
Security forces have since launched extensive search and cordon operations in surrounding areas to track down those responsible for the attack. Additional deployments have also been made in sensitive locations to prevent any further escalation of violence.
The killings have sparked anger across Kuki-Zo inhabited areas, with several organizations condemning the incident in strong terms. Kuki Inpi Manipur, one of the largest Kuki-Zo religious bodies, termed the attack on church-linked individuals as “an assault on peace itself” and demanded swift action against the perpetrators.
Large-scale demonstrations broke out in Kangpokpi following the incident, while Kuki civil society groups intensified their call for justice and stronger security measures. Thousands of mourners reportedly gathered outside the district hospital late into the night to receive the bodies of the deceased. Many remained assembled through the night, holding prayers and expressing solidarity with the victims’ families.
In response to the killings, Kuki Inpi Manipur has announced a 48-hour shutdown across Kuki-Zo majority areas in protest against the violence.
Soon after receiving information about the incident, Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh visited Shija Hospital on Wednesday evening to meet the injured victims and condemned the attack. He assured that strict action would be taken against those involved.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen also denounced the killings, stating that such a brutal attack on innocent people could not be justified under any circumstances. Legislators from Manipur further appealed for peace while demanding justice for the victims linked to the Thadou Church community.
The United Naga Council condemned the attack on members associated with the Thadou Baptist Association and urged authorities to take stringent action against the culprits. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India also strongly criticized the killings of Baptist workers in Manipur.
Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi has accused the Zeliangrong United Front of being behind the attack. However, the organization has denied all allegations, dismissing the accusations as “baseless.”
The latest violence in Kangpokpi has further deepened tensions in Manipur, where ethnic unrest has continued for months. With heavy deployment of security personnel across the affected region, authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The last rites of those killed in the ambush are expected to be performed later on Thursday.-----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
