Guwahati, May 13: Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh on Wednesday strongly condemned the killing of three civilians, including church leaders, in an ambush between Kotlen and Kotzim areas of Kangpokpi district, describing it as a “dastardly terror act” aimed at disrupting the state’s fragile peace process.
In a statement, the chief minister said armed miscreants opened fire on a group of civilians, leaving three dead and four injured. He said three of the injured were shifted to Shija Hospitals and Research Institute in Imphal for treatment and assured that the state government would bear all medical expenses.
“This act of violence is deeply troubling and devastating not only for the families but for the entire state, as it disrupts our path to peace,” he said, adding that terrorism and senseless violence targeting innocent civilians had “no room in a civilised society.”
The chief minister appealed to all sections of society to maintain peace and restraint and urged people to immediately stop “abductions, hostage-taking and intimidations on community lines,” warning that such actions could further aggravate the situation.
He also assured that the state government would use every available resource to bring the perpetrators and their handlers to justice.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla also condemned the incident, expressing grief over the loss of innocent lives, including church leaders reportedly engaged in peace and reconciliation efforts.
The Governor conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and appealed to all communities to maintain peace, exercise restraint, and work collectively towards restoring harmony and normalcy in the state.
The ambush claimed the lives of church leaders, including Rev. Dr Vumthang Silthou, former general secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), who had reportedly been involved in peace-building initiatives in the conflict-hit state.
The United Naga Council (UNC), the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) and Kuki organisations also strongly condemned the killings, describing the attack as barbaric and heartbreaking.
In a statement, the NJCF said the victims had been “faithfully labouring for peace and reconciliation in the conflict-torn land of Manipur.”
“Their sacrifice is a grievous reminder that violence consumes not only lives but also the hope of communities yearning for healing,” the forum stated, while urging Kuki, Naga and all communities to reject violence and restore peace.
Quoting Biblical verses, the Christian body said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” and prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved families.
Meanwhile, the UNC expressed concern over alleged retaliatory developments following the ambush, claiming that at least 20 Nagas from Konsakhul village were allegedly taken hostage by residents of Leilon Kuki village hours after the attack.
The council said targeting innocent villagers and holding them hostage violated “all norms of a civilised society” and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
Kuki Inpi Manipur alleged that the ambush was carried out by the ZUF-Kamson faction and village volunteers, describing it as a “cowardly and barbaric” attack targeting unarmed church leaders and civilians.
The organisation said Rev. Silthou had recently participated in peace initiatives alongside the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum in Kohima aimed at promoting reconciliation between the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul communities.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also condemned the killings, terming them “barbaric violence against innocent lives” that had “no place in any civilised society.”
The Kuki Students’ Organisation Delhi & NCR announced a candlelight vigil and funeral service in memory of the slain church leaders while demanding justice and accountability.
The killings have triggered widespread concern across the Northeast amid fears of renewed tensions in Manipur’s hill districts.
