Remember their names: Josiah Asa K’Okal

Josiah used his voice to seek justice, speaking out against the mass sterilisation of indigenous women and the trafficking of Warao women and children. 

On New Year’s Day 2024, he left home on his bicycle to visit people in his parish. He disappeared, and his body was found the following day. The authorities were quick to label Josiah’s death a suicide. However, many of those close to him called for an independent investigation and autopsy, noting that he likely made powerful enemies by speaking out against human trafficking and other serious violations against indigenous communities. So far, those calls have been unsuccessful. 

We give thanks for Josiah’s commitment to defending indigenous communities, and pray for an investigation that leads to justice. We remember him. 

Facts and stats:

According to the 2001 census, Venezuela is home to 33 distinct indigenous groups, comprising more than 536,000 people, or 2.3% of the national population.

Reverend Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Reverend Kaigoulun Lhouvum, Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou

Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou were senior church leaders from Manipur, northeast India, where ethnic tensions and violence have persisted since 2023. All three belonged to the Kuki-Thadou tribal community.

On 13 May 2026, they were travelling home from the United Baptist Convention Assembly, a gathering focused on peacebuilding and reconciliation between tribal communities. As their group travelled through a hilly area of Manipur, unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicles, killing all three men. Several others suffered serious injuries.

Their deaths triggered further unrest and retaliation, highlighting the fragility of the situation in Manipur and the risks faced by faith leaders in conflict areas. Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou was a respected Baptist leader, widely known for his efforts to promote reconciliation among tribal Christian communities. 

We remember Rev Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou, and pray that their legacy of peacebuilding will live on in the communities they served.

Facts and stats:

The conflict in Manipur, ongoing since 2023, has mainly involved the Kuki and Meitei communities, though tensions have also grown in some areas between Kuki-Zo and Naga groups:

• Kuki-Zo is a broad term for related tribal communities with shared ethnic and cultural roots. The Thadou are one of the largest Kuki tribes, and most are Christian. Churches play an important role in community life and peacebuilding.
• The Nagas are another major tribal group in Manipur, made up of several tribes with distinct identities. Like the Kukis, most Nagas in Manipur are also Christian.