Three senior Kuki-Thadou Christian church leaders were killed by unidentified gunmen in Kangpokpi District in India’s Manipur State on 13 May. The killings led to retaliatory abductions and a hostage crisis involving civilians from both Kuki and Naga communities.

CSW sources report that the three church leaders were travelling with a larger group in two vehicles returning from the United Baptist Convention Assembly 2026 held in Churachandpur District, which had reportedly focused on reconciliation and peacebuilding among tribal communities in Manipur.

Unidentified armed men opened fire on the convoy as it was passing through a hilly stretch between Kotzim and Kotlen near Saheibung Peak in Kangpokpi. Reverend Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Reverend Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou were killed instantly, while at least five others received life-threatening gunshot injuries and were taken to Shija Hospital in Imphal.

At present no official authorities have publicly identified the attackers and investigations are ongoing. The killings have caused particular concern because the victims were Christian religious leaders returning from a church gathering focused on peace and reconciliation. Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou was widely known as a respected Baptist leader involved in reconciliation efforts between tribal Christian communities in Manipur and his killing raises serious concerns about the safety of clergy and faith leaders working in conflict areas.

After the killings, shutdowns and protests were reported in several Kuki-Zo areas, especially in Kangpokpi District. Movement along highways in the hill districts was also disrupted. Within hours of the incident, retaliatory abductions reportedly began in different areas. Subsequent reports allege that Naga civilians were abducted by armed Kuki groups, while Kuki civilians were detained or abducted by Naga village volunteers and armed groups in retaliation.

The situation later developed into a hostage crisis involving civilians from both communities, which was followed by negotiations involving church leaders, tribal organisations, civil society groups, local authorities and security agencies over the following days. By 16 May several hostages had been released, including 14 Naga civilians and 14 Kuki civilians.

The developments show another serious escalation in the ongoing instability in Manipur State and the growing need for protection of religious leaders and tribal Christian communities working for peace and reconciliation. Protests continue in the state calling for the release of a remaining 14 Kuki and six Naga hostages, with no information as to the whereabouts of the latter raising concerns that they may not be alive.

CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: ‘CSW our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones Reverend Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Reverend Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou, and assure them of our prayers at this time. These targeted attacks on revered church leaders who were returning from a dedicated mission of peace and tribal reconciliation constitute a horrific assault on human life and the freedom of religion or belief in Manipur. The subsequent retaliatory abductions and hostage crisis underscore how rapidly instability can spiral when faith leaders and peacebuilders are targeted. We urge the authorities to conduct a swift, thorough and transparent investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice, and we call upon all parties to immediately release the remaining civilian hostages. The international community must not look away as tribal Christian communities and peace advocates in Manipur face escalating vulnerabilities.’

Notes to Editors:

1. The Kukis are a group of tribal communities living mainly in the hill districts of Manipur and other parts of northeast India and Myanmar. Kuki-Zo is often used as a broader term for related tribes with shared ethnic and cultural roots. The Thadou are one of the largest Kuki tribes in Manipur. Most Thadou people are Christians, particularly Baptists, and churches play a significant role in community life, education, relief work, and peacebuilding efforts.
2. The Nagas are another major tribal group in northeast India, made up of several tribes with different identities. Like the Kukis, most Nagas in Manipur are also Christians. While the larger conflict in Manipur which has been ongoing since 2023 has mainly involved the Kuki and Meitei communities, tensions have also been growing in some areas between Kuki-Zo and Naga groups.