At least three individuals from the Kuki community lost their lives, and several others were wounded in an attack by unidentified armed assailants on two vehicles in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. The incident occurred along Tiger Road, where the armed individuals fired upon the vehicles, resulting in the fatalities and injuries. The deceased have been identified as Vumthang, Pastor Paogoulen, and Pastor Kaigoulun.
The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) disclosed that the victims, all Baptist Church leaders from the Kuki community, were targeted in the assault. Allegedly, a Naga armed group carried out the ambush on the Kangpokpi — Churachandpur road as the victims were returning from the UBC Convention at Lamka. The KSO claimed that four church leaders were killed, and numerous others were severely injured, urging for a prompt and fair investigation into the matter.
Following the attack, law enforcement authorities, supported by additional security personnel, swiftly responded by initiating a thorough combing operation to apprehend the perpetrators. This incident represents the first significant militant strike in Manipur this year, underscoring the ongoing security challenges in the region.
