Manipur Conflict in India escalates after the killings of Kuki-Zo Church Leaders
- Human Rights Research Center
- May 20
- 3 min read
Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan
May 20, 2026
HRRC strongly condemns the killings of unarmed church leaders and the continued abduction of innocent civilians in Manipur, India. We call for an immediate, impartial investigation, protection of vulnerable communities and urgent dialogue to prevent ethnic and religious violence.
![Protestors demanding the release of Kuki hostages and justice for three slain church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi on May 16, 2026. [Image credit: The Hindu]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_2819128315cf433abac7bad9b15871eb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_49,h_27,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_2819128315cf433abac7bad9b15871eb~mv2.png)
Manipur, a sensitive northeastern state of India bordering Myanmar, has remained deeply divided since ethnic violence first started in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The Meiteis are Hindu and reside in the Imphal Valley, while the Kuki-Zo tribes are primarily followers of Christianity and live in the hill districts. The government has imposed buffer zones to separate the two communities for nearly three years following [XYZ]. Another prominent community living in the region, the Naga people, are a Christian tribe mainly located within the northern hill districts of Manipur; the Naga people have long-standing political and territorial demands. In recent months, tensions have simultaneously grown between sections of the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities over territorial claims and regarding the activities of armed groups in the region.
On May 13, 2026, multiple gunmen ambushed two vehicles transporting Kuki Baptist Church leaders in Kangpokpi district. The delegation was returning from a church conference in Churachandpur when the attack took place between Kotzim and Kotlen villages. Three church leaders, Rev. Vunthang Sitlou, Rev. Kaigoullun, and Pastor Paogoulen, were killed, while four pastors and two drivers were injured. Rev. Sitlhou was considered a significant peace figure within the community, having recently been involved in reconciliation talks between the Kuki and Naga groups.
A Naga militant faction, said to be working with the valley-based Meitei insurgent groups, has been blamed for the ambush by Kuki-Zo organisations. The accused groups denied any involvement. Regardless of responsibility for the atrocious murders of religious leaders, the attack increased fears across the Meitei community and beyond of armed groups that seem to be increasingly targeting civilians and religious leaders in an attempt to deepen the already existing ethnic divisions and to undermine ongoing peace efforts.
The killings sparked widespread unrest in Manipur’s hill districts; in the days immediately following the ambush, armed groups affiliated with the Meitei community reportedly kidnapped over 40 Kuki-Zo and Naga civilians, including women and minors. Later, Manipur states’ security forces helped secure the release of 28 hostages, but several people from both communities are still missing. The families of the remaining captives have made public appeals for their safe return and have described the severe emotional trauma and fear within those villages affected by the kidnappings.
On May 16th, 2026, thousands of Kuki-Zo protestors took to the streets in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, demanding not only justice for these acts of violence but also advocating for increased safety measures in addition to the unconditional release of the remaining hostages. The United Naga Council has announced an economic blockade, claiming that the government has failed to rescue the missing Naga civilians. The recent violence has again brought to light the fragile nature of peace in Manipur, despite efforts by the government and communities to reconcile with each other.
Glossary
Abduction – to seize and take away (a person) by force/
Ambush – to attack by surprise from a hidden place.
Condemns – to declare reprehensible, wrong, or evil, usually after weighing the evidence and without reservation.
Fragile – easily broken or destroyed.
Hostages – a person taken by force to secure the taker's demands.
Impartial – not partial or biased: treating or affecting all equally.
Imposition – to establish or bring about as if by force.
Reconcile – to restore to friendship or harmony.
Vulnerable – capable of being easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally.
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