Imphal : At least three church leaders were feared killed and several others injured after suspected militants ambushed a convoy of the Thadou Baptist Association in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday, triggering widespread condemnation from Kuki-Zo organisations and church bodies.

According to preliminary reports, the attack took place between Kotzim and Kotlen villages near Zero Point/Saheibung Peak when church leaders were returning to Kangpokpi from Churachandpur after attending the United Baptist Convention conference at Chiengkonpang in Lamka.

Sources alleged that the attackers were suspected members of the Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson faction and associated armed groups.

Among those reportedly killed was Rev. V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention and current president of the Thadou Baptist Association. Sources said two other pastors also died in the ambush, although officials had not yet confirmed the total number of fatalities at the time of reporting.

Several others sustained injuries in the attack. The injured were identified as Rev. SM Haopu, Rev. Hekai Simte, Rev. Kaigoulun, Rev. Paothang, Pastor Paogou, along with two drivers identified as Lelen and Goumang.

Sources said the church leaders were travelling in two vehicles when armed assailants allegedly intercepted and attacked them.

The incident sparked strong reactions from Kuki-Zo civil society groups and church organisations, many of which described the attack as an “unprovoked aggression” targeting religious leaders.

Earlier, Kuki Inpi Manipur had warned that repeated attacks in Kuki-dominated areas could trigger widespread unrest and possible blockades along national and state highways if authorities failed to take prompt action.

The ambush comes amid continuing tensions and security concerns in Manipur following the ethnic violence that erupted across the state in May 2023.

No official statement had been issued by police or security agencies regarding the identities of the attackers or the exact circumstances surrounding the ambush. Authorities are expected to launch a detailed investigation into the incident.

Kuki Inpi Manipur has alleged that church leaders from the Kuki community were ambushed by suspected members of the Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson faction and valley-based insurgent groups between the Kotzim and Kotlen areas in Manipur.

In a statement shared on social media on Tuesday, the organisation described the alleged attack as an “unprovoked aggression” and warned that the incident could trigger a strict blockade of national and state highways passing through Kuki-dominated areas if authorities fail to intervene promptly.

The organisation urged the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to address the situation and prevent any further escalation of tensions in the region. Kuki Inpi Manipur, however, did not immediately provide details regarding casualties or injuries linked to the alleged ambush.

The development comes amid continuing ethnic and security tensions across several parts of Manipur following the outbreak of violence in the state in May 2023.

The warning from the organisation has heightened concerns over possible disruptions along key highway routes connecting hill districts with other parts of the state. The incident also comes at a time when security agencies remain on high alert in vulnerable areas of Manipur amid sporadic reports of armed activity and inter-community tensions.

No official statement had been issued by the police or security agencies regarding the allegations at the time of reporting. Authorities are expected to verify the circumstances surrounding the reported ambush and assess the security situation in the affected areas.