Three Kuki-Zo Church Leaders Killed in Ambush Near Kotzim–Kotlen, Kuki Inpi Demands Probe

The Kuki Inpi Manipur has strongly condemned what it described as a “cowardly and barbaric ambush” allegedly carried out by the ZUF-Kamson faction and VBIGs on Kuki-Zo Church leaders and civilians between the Kotzim and Kotlen areas on Wednesday.

According to a statement issued by the organisation, the attack claimed the lives of three individuals — Rev. V. Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulen, and Pastor Paogoulen — while five others sustained critical injuries and are reportedly battling for their lives.

Among those killed was Rev. V. Sitlhou, a prominent Church leader and peace advocate who had recently participated in a peace mission in Kohima alongside the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum aimed at fostering reconciliation and mutual understanding between the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul communities.

The statement noted that Church leaders from both communities had recently held discussions on peaceful coexistence, restraint, and dialogue amid growing ethnic tensions in the region.

Describing the killing as “heartbreaking and enraging,” Kuki Inpi stated that Rev. Sitlhou, who dedicated his efforts to peace and reconciliation, had fallen victim to a “merciless and calculated act of violence.

The organisation further stated that despite repeated provocations and targeted aggression, the Kuki-Zo community had exercised restraint in the interest of maintaining peace and preventing escalation. It termed the latest attack on unarmed religious leaders and civilians as “a direct assault on the spirit of peace itself.”

Kuki Inpi also questioned the timing and intent behind the ambush, particularly at a time when Church leaders and civil society groups were actively encouraging dialogue and reconciliation between communities.

The organisation urged the Government of India to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.

It also appealed to civil society organisations, churches, and democratic groups to unequivocally condemn the attack and oppose violence targeting innocent civilians and religious leaders.

Calling for unity and vigilance among the Kuki-Zo people, Kuki Inpi warned that repeated targeted attacks, if left unchecked, could further damage the fragile prospects for peace and coexistence in the region.

The statement concluded with condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.