KLA-L Refutes ‘False Propaganda’ Linking Group to Killing of Church Leaders

The Kuki Liberation Army–Lekholun (KLA-L) has strongly condemned what it described as “malicious, irresponsible, and provocative propaganda” allegedly spread by the Facebook page The Chronicle of Naga in connection with the May 13 ambush that killed three Kuki church leaders.

In a statement issued on Friday, the outfit accused the social media page of exploiting the tragedy by circulating “fabricated allegations” intended to vilify the Kuki community and mislead the public through misinformation.

The statement came in the aftermath of the ambush that claimed the lives of Revd Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, Revd Kaigoulen Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou, while five others sustained serious injuries and remain under critical medical care. According to KLA-L, the victims were returning from an ecclesiastical convocation when they were attacked.

Describing the incident as a “targeted liquidation of Christian leadership,” the group said the killings were “an assault upon non-combatants” and not a case of collateral violence.

KLA-L expressed condolences to the bereaved families, the injured victims, and the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA), stating that the slain church leaders had contributed significantly to reconciliation and pastoral ministry within society.

The group further called for an independent international commission of enquiry into the ambush, noting that public allegations and denials surrounding the attack have created the need for a credible investigation.

Referring to statements reportedly made by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), KLA-L said the evidentiary threshold for a formal probe had already been met and urged that allegations be tested “by evidence, not by communiqués.”

The statement also criticised the slogan “Nagaland for Christ,” asserting that such rhetoric loses legitimacy when ordained Christian ministers are ambushed and killed.

KLA-L additionally argued that the repeated failure of the state to protect the Kuki-Christian community raises serious constitutional and legal concerns.

Citing international legal principles, including the right to self-determination under international covenants, the group claimed that persistent persecution and lack of protection could justify demands for autonomous political authority.

Appealing to the international Christian community, KLA-L called for “material solidarity” and institutional protection for persecuted Christian minorities, stating that the events of May 13 demonstrated the urgent need for enforceable constitutional safeguards and autonomous political agency for the Kuki-Christian community.