The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has demanded a court-monitored investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the killing of three Kuki church leaders in Manipur, while disputing recent claims made by the United Naga Council (UNC) regarding the incident.
In a statement issued on Saturday, KOHUR said the May 13 ambush that resulted in the deaths of Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum and Pastor Paogoulun Sitlhou should not be treated as an isolated act of violence. The organisation alleged that the attack appeared to be part of a larger and coordinated conspiracy and called for an independent investigation to establish the facts.
According to KOHUR, the three church leaders were actively involved in efforts aimed at promoting unity within the Kuki community and encouraging reconciliation among different communities in Manipur. The organisation said they were also associated with the formation of the United Baptist Council (UBC), which it described as an emerging religious platform that had gained influence in the region.
The rights body rejected the UNC’s assertion that Naga armed groups had no motive to target the church leaders. It argued that such conclusions should not be drawn before the completion of a thorough investigation and criticised attempts to publicly absolve any organisation before official inquiries were concluded.
KOHUR further claimed that information reportedly available with government agencies suggested a possible link between the ambush and the near-simultaneous interception and abduction of Kuki civilians in the Ireng area. According to the organisation, both incidents occurred within a period of 15 to 20 minutes, raising questions that investigators should examine closely.
The organisation also referred to earlier incidents in Kuki-inhabited areas, including attacks on K. Songlung village and Kharam Vaiphei village, and said these incidents should be investigated as part of a broader pattern of violence in the region.
KOHUR additionally raised questions regarding a Bolero Camper vehicle that allegedly passed through the ambush site shortly before the attack. It claimed that the vehicle, which reportedly carried a Rongmei Naga name on its windscreen, was allowed to pass unharmed, while the vehicles carrying the church leaders were later attacked.
The organisation also questioned denials issued by groups identifying themselves as ZUF-K and pointed to what it described as inconsistencies in statements released by different factions operating under similar names.
Expressing concern over reports that 14 Kuki men are allegedly being held captive in Senapati district, KOHUR called for their immediate, safe and unconditional release. The organisation stated that it opposed hostage-taking in any form and urged all parties to ensure the safety and protection of civilians.
Describing the killing of the three church leaders, the injuries suffered by five other individuals, the alleged abduction of civilians and attacks on Kuki villages as serious human rights concerns, KOHUR renewed its demand for a court-monitored NIA investigation into all related incidents.
The organisation said it would continue documenting developments connected to the case and submit its findings to constitutional authorities and human rights institutions. It expressed hope that an independent probe would help establish the truth behind the killings and ensure accountability for those responsible.
