Kuki Inpi Manipur Condemns False and Divisive Allegations Surrounding the Killing of TBA Pastors

The Kuki Inpi Manipur has strongly condemned the ongoing social media disinformation campaign, including narratives amplified by Khuraijam Athouba and affiliated Meitei elements, which falsely allege that Kukis themselves were responsible for the ambush and killing of three pastors of the Thadou Baptist Association.

The Kuki apex body issued a statement on Thursday, stating that such propaganda collapses under the most basic scrutiny of Kuki social and kinship structures. It urged all concerned to immediately cease exploiting the tragedy for communal and political propaganda, and to allow the bereaved families and the Kuki community to grieve with dignity and peace.

KIM informed that Reverend Vumthang Sitlhou was the son of Pastor Pakho Sitlhou and Mrs. Namgakliu, a Rongmei Naga mother, and was married to Mrs. Lalkhokim (Kimcha) Khongsai of Chalkot village near Sapormeina. Through blood, marriage, and Nulam kinship obligations, his family was deeply interconnected across Kuki society.

“The reckless claim that Kukis would target their own pastor, husband, father, and in-law within such an interconnected kinship network is not only baseless, but also reflects a profound ignorance of Kuki customary relationships and social realities,” the release stated.

At a time of immense grief and mourning, KIM also appealed to all individuals, organisations, media platforms, and political actors to exercise truth, restraint, and basic human decency.

The Kuki body stated that the families of the deceased pastors deserve the dignity to mourn and bury their loved ones in peace, without being subjected to malicious propaganda, communal insinuations, and coordinated misinformation campaigns.

“The continued circulation of inflammatory and unverified allegations serves only to deepen tensions, desecrate the memory of the deceased, and obstruct the pursuit of truth and justice,” KIM added.