Three Baptist Pastors Just Returning From a Peace Conference Were Ambushed and Killed on a Indian Highway

TBAI President Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou Among the Slain as Gunmen Strike Convoy Returning From Kuki Zo and Naga Christian Reconciliation Meeting

Three of Manipur's most senior Baptist Christian leaders were ambushed and killed on the Imphal Tamenglong highway on 13 May 2026 as they returned from a peace conference aimed at reconciling Manipur's warring tribal Christian communities. The killings strike at the heart of the fragile reconciliation effort in India's most violent religious conflict zone.

The murdered pastors are Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, President of the Tribal Baptist Association of India (TBAI), Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum, TBAI Finance Secretary, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou, TBAI Superintendent Pastor.

Manipur Peace Conference Ends in Bloodshed as Baptist Pastors Murdered

The attack occurred at 10:25 a.m. on the highway between Kotzim and Kotlen villages, with the convoy travelling northbound toward Kangpokpi.

At least five others were wounded. The pastors were returning from the United Baptist Convention Assembly in Churachandpur, a peace conference focused on reconciliation between the predominantly Christian Kuki Zo and the Naga communities.

Rev. Dr. Sitlhou had personally convened peace consultations just days before his murder. Multiple Kuki Zo organisations have alleged that the Zeliangrong United Front carried out the attack in collusion with other armed groups.

The ZUF denies involvement and accuses NSCN IM operatives of using its name. Manipur's Chief Minister condemned the killings as a "dastardly terror act" and pledged to use every resource of the state to bring the perpetrators to justice. No arrests have been made.

The Crusader's Opinion

Three Christian peacemakers murdered while travelling home from a peace conference. Manipur has now claimed the lives of its very own bridge builders. Rev. Dr. Sitlhou spent his career trying to heal the rift between Kuki Zo and Naga Christian communities, and gunmen rewarded him with bullets. Three years after the violence began, the Indian state has produced zero convictions and now adds the slaughter of senior pastors to the body count. The Modi government must answer for Manipur. Western Christians must refuse to let the world look away. Pray for the families. Pray for the wounded. Pray for justice.

Take Action

• Donate: Evangelical Fellowship of India supporting Manipur Christians
• Pray: For the three pastors' families, the five wounded, and the TBAI
• Contact: Your senator demanding India be designated a Country of Particular Concern
• Read: Christian Daily International's ongoing Manipur coverage
• Share: The names of Sitlhou, Lhouvum, and Sitlhou, and refuse to let them be forgotten