Imphal, May 13 (NNN): Three church leaders were killed and five others injured when they were ambushed at Kotlen area, some 35 km west of Imphal, by unidentified armed persons on Wednesday morning. The spot where the incident occurred falls under Kangpokpi district of Manipur.
In an apparent reaction to this killing incident, about “20 Nagas of Konsakhul village have been held hostage by Leilon Vaiphei Kuki village”, as alleged by various Naga organisations including the United Naga Council (UNC). The whereabouts of these “20 Nagas” are yet to be traced till the filing of this report.
Meanwhile, regarding the ambush incident, three deceased have been identified as Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the incident.
According to Thadou Inpi, Manipur (TIM), the ambush incident happened at around 10: 15 am between Kotzim village and Saheibung village (near Saheibung Peak–Zero Point) in Kangchup Geljang sub-division, Kangpokpi district, Manipur, near Sangaithel Manipur Olympian Park. The vitcims were in two vehicles — a white Bolero Neo and a white Bolero BS6, the Thadou body also said.
The injured have been identified as Rev. SM Haopu, Rev. Hekai Simte, Rev. Kaikhothang Singsit, Thangtinlen Sitlhou (driver) and Lungoumang Lhouvum (driver). Some of the injured persons have been brought to Shija Hospitals in Imphal. Manipur chief minister has said that all the medical expenses of the treatments of these injured persons will be done by the state government.
Condemnation
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Dr. Neiphiu Rio has strongly condemned the “brutal 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.
Various Naga organisations including the NSCN-IM and the United Naga Council (UNC) have also strongly condemned the Manipur ambush incident where three church leaders were killed and five others injured.
Condemning the incident, the NSCN-IM said it was “deeply shocked and anguished by the ambush and brutal murder of three church leaders belonging to the Thadou Baptist Association, between Kotlen and Kotzim villages” in Kangpokpi district of Manipur, who were returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur after attending the TBA Conference at Lamka. The victims were not only unarmed civilians but highly respected church leaders, said the NSCN-IM.
“We convey our sincere condolences to the bereaved families and pray that they find strength and comfort during this difficult time. The NSCN condemns in the strongest terms such devilish actions and requests the authorities to unearth the perpretors who had committed such unheard-of barbarism”, the NSCN-IM conveyed.
