Violence between two predominantly Christian tribal communities in India’s northeastern state of Manipur has escalated after three Kuki-Zo pastors and their driver were killed in an ambush on May 13. The pastors were traveling from the United Baptist Church Conference in Churachandpur to Kangpokpi district when armed attackers struck their vehicle. The slain church leaders were identified as Rev. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun and Pastor Paogoulen. Four others were injured.
The killings sparked retaliatory abductions involving members of the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities, with at least 20 people still reported missing. Kuki-Zo organizations accused the Kamson faction of the Zeliangrong United Front of carrying out the attack and alleged ties between the armed group and Meitei militants.
Manipur has remained unstable since ethnic violence erupted in 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, leaving more than 260 dead and over 59,000 displaced. Protests are now demanding the safe return of the remaining captives, including 14 Kuki hostages and six Naga hostages whose whereabouts remain unknown.
