Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: The Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) is demanding a transparent, time-bound, and independent investigation into the May 13, 2026, massacre of three senior Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) leaders. More than 100 days have passed since the targeted ambush occurred between Kotzim and Kotlen villages. Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou were killed. Five others suffered serious injuries.
Despite the National Investigation Agency (NIA) taking over the case, no public arrests have been made. The TIM, represented by Joint General Secretary Manggou Thadou, questioned the agency’s credibility. The group specifically challenged the NIA’s refusal to stop labeling the victims as Kuki or Kuki-Zo. The TIM maintains these men were Thadou leaders of an independent Thadou institution. They argue the mislabeling could obscure potential ethnic motives behind the violence.
The ambush took place in a region controlled by Kuki Suspension of Operation (SoO) militant groups, including the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) and the Kuki National Front (KNF). The TIM claims these groups operate under a unified command led by KNF Home Secretary Jangboi Kipgen. The group pointed to the selective nature of the violence. Two vehicles carrying the pastors bore visible TBAI signs. Other vehicles carrying Kuki passengers in the same convoy were ignored. "Only the two TBA vehicles were targeted," the TIM alleged.
The organization also highlighted a potential conflict of interest involving the state government. Wives of two Kuki SoO militant leaders currently serve as members of the state government. Additionally, several MLAs hold familial and political ties to these militant groups. While the TIM stopped short of alleging criminal conspiracy, they demanded the NIA investigate whether officials or security personnel had prior knowledge of the attack or obstructed justice. The agency must now explain if it has investigated the militant command structures, official interference, or if the victims' Thadou identity played a role in the motive. The TIM insists that "justice cannot be allowed to become a casualty of political influence, institutional failure or investigative bias."
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