SAA event in Manipur, Kotlen, Kangpokpi District area, India on Wed 13th May 2026

On May 13, three church leaders were killed and four others injured when unidentified armed militants ambushed two vehicles carrying members of the Thadou Baptist Association of India (TBAI) and the United Baptist Council (UBC) near Kotlen and Kotzim villages along the Kangpokpi–Churachandpur road in Kangpokpi District of Manipur, reports The Hindu. The deceased were identified as TBAI president Reverend Vumthang Sitlhou, finance secretary Reverend Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou. According to Security Forces (SFs), around eight to 10 armed assailants, suspected to be hiding on nearby hillsides, opened fire with automatic weapons on the two vehicles around 10 am. Four persons sustained injuries, while one survivor later escaped and was rescued. Joint columns of SFs launched search and area domination operations following the attack. Investigations into the incident are continuing.