Manipur Ambush: Three Christian Priests Killed, Five Injured in Kangpokpi Attack

Three Christian priests were killed in an ambush in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, with five others hurt. Armed militants attacked two vehicles on Wednesday. The priests were returning from a church conference in Churachandpur.

The victims belonged to the Thadou Baptist Association. They were working on peace efforts between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga groups. Security forces are now searching for those behind the attack in the troubled northeastern state.

The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust called the attack pre-planned. They said it aimed to harm ongoing peace work. The group blamed NSCN-IM and ZUF militants for the killings. Both groups denied any role in the attack.

Protests broke out after the incident. Kuki groups called for shutdowns in Churachandpur district. Thadou groups blocked a major highway. Markets closed and roads went empty in Kuki-majority areas.

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand condemned the killings as an act of terror. He visited the hurt victims at a hospital in Imphal. He promised the state would cover all medical costs for those injured. He said the government would use all resources to find the attackers.

The attack happened during ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. Tensions between communities have caused many killings and clashes recently. On the same evening, a man from the Chiru Naga community was killed in another attack in Noney district. Two others were injured in that incident.