The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has denied involvement.
Imphal | EKHON: Four people, including three prominent church leaders and a driver, were killed and several others injured in a suspected ambush by unidentified armed militants in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Wednesday morning. The Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) has denied involvement, saying it was “deeply shocked and concerned” over the incident.
The ZUF categorically denied allegations circulating in certain sections of the public and on social media, including claims reportedly made by the Kuki Inpi, Manipur, linking the organization to the incident. It described such allegations as “baseless, unfounded and misleading,” asserting that the organization was “neither aware of nor connected in any manner with the attack.” The group urged civil societies and media to avoid spreading unverified information, warning it could worsen tensions in the state.
The incident occurred around 10 am between Kotlen and Kotzim villages along the Imphal–Tamenglong highway. The victims were members of the Thadou Baptist Association (TBA) who were travelling from Churachandpur to Kangpokpi after attending a TBA conference when armed assailants allegedly opened fire on their vehicles.
The deceased have been identified as Rev. Dr. V. Sitlhou, former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention, Rev. Kaigoulun, Pastor Paogoulen, and Lelen, the driver.
Sources said several others travelling with the group also sustained injuries, some of them reportedly critical. However, the exact number of injured persons could not be immediately confirmed.
Security personnel were rushed to the area soon after the attack, and search operations have reportedly been launched to identify and apprehend those responsible. As of now, authorities have yet to officially confirmed the identity of the attackers or the motive behind the ambush.
Meanwhile, Thadou body has enforced a total shutdown in Sardar Hills over the incident.
