Pastors ambushed and killed in Manipur, India

Three years after violence broke out in Manipur, India, there is still fear and unrest. A group of pastors were recently ambushed, and two were shot dead. Please pray for Manipur.

It’s been three years since violent clashes in Manipur State, India shocked people around the world. In the ethnoreligious violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, Christians on both sides found themselves disproportionately targeted. Churches were looted or burned down, Christians homes and businesses were targeted, and there are many believers among the large number of Manipur citizens who remain displaced. Even years later, the situation in the state remains fragile.  

Recent months have also seen tensions increase between the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul-Naga communities. The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum convened a peace meeting in Kohima, Nagaland, on 4 May, with the aim of bringing together church leaders and civil society representatives from the two communities for peace and reconciliation. 

Pastors attacked on journey home 

Despite these peace efforts, a shocking incident happened on 13 May. A group of pastors from the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) were returning from a church gathering when they were ambushed and shot at by armed militants. Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulal were declared dead at the scene. Six other Christian leaders and one of their drivers were seriously injured in the attack. 

The group had been attending the first assembly of a newly formed United Baptist Convention in Churachandpur. Local journeys have become extremely dangerous for Kuki-Zo communities since the unrest began, with most choosing to take extremely long detours to avoid security issues on the main roads. A journey between Kuki-Zo hill districts that once took four hours now takes 12.  

“At present, it is still uncertain whether the pastors ambushed were specifically targeted,” says Neinu*, a local Open Doors partner. “Their vehicles had ‘Secretary, Mission and Evangelism: TBAI’ – a clear indication of its religious purpose – on the front, yet they were not spared.” An investigation is still underway to establish who is responsible for the attack, and their motivation. An insurgent group is suspected, but this has not yet been confirmed. 

In a separate incident indicative of the climate of unrest in the region, Molnoi Kuki village in Kamjoing district, near the Myanmar border, was attacked on 14 May. Thirteen houses were burned down. The attack is believed to have been committed by the same insurgent group suspected of killing and wounding the pastors. 

The violence continues 

“On 3 May, the communities in Manipur mourned and observed the third anniversary of the ethno-religious violence,” shares Neinu. “However, clashes are still reported, and innocent lives are still lost as the conflict between the two communities resurfaces from time to time.” 

Neinu adds: “Additionally, with this new incident, people are worried about more large-scale conflicts amongst several different ethnic communities. Armed militants and youngsters influenced by extremist groups are resorting to violence very quickly in the current situation.” 

Please pray 

“Peace and restoration look distant for the victims of violence,” says Neinu. “Christians in Manipur need your prayers for protection, rehabilitation and peace.” 

Please join local believers in praying: 

• For God’s comfort and peace upon the bereaved families and congregations who are grieving the pastors killed in this heartbreaking incident 

• For healing and recovery for the drivers, pastors and all injured in the attack 

• For wisdom and compassion among community leaders and all groups involved during this sensitive time 

• That truth and justice will prevail, and that the facts surrounding the incident will be revealed clearly. Pray that God speaks in the heart and mind of those responsible and that they may seek forgiveness from their hearts 

• Above all, for reconciliation, understanding among the Kuki-Zo, Tangkhul-Naga, Meitei and all communities in Manipur. Pray against fear, hatred, revenge and further violence, and pray that healing and unity may prosper in this disturbed land. 

*Name changed for security reasons