On 13 May 2026, three Christian pastors were killed in Manipur, India, in an armed ambush while returning from a peace and reconciliation conference. They were not politicians or armed participants. They were church leaders returning from a religious gathering focused on dialogue and unity.

The incident took place in the Kangpokpi district, a region already affected by years of ethnic and religious tension. The attack has intensified fear among Christian communities, especially among tribal groups in the hills.

Since the BJP came into power across India, several Christian organizations and international monitoring groups have reported a rise in concerns related to religious freedom in recent years. These reports often point to increased incidents of mob violence, pressure in certain regions, and challenges faced by minority Christian communities, particularly in rural and conflict-sensitive areas.

Who were the pastors?

The victims were senior leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI), a major Baptist Christian organization among the Kuki-Zo tribal community:

• Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou – senior church leader and former General Secretary of the Manipur Baptist Convention
• Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum – church administrator responsible for finance, youth, and music
• Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou – Superintendent Pastor within TBAI

They were returning after attending a United Baptist Convention peace meeting in Churachandpur.

What Is happening in Manipur

In the Manipur violence that has unfolded since 2023, the scale of destruction has been severe and widely documented, though exact figures vary across sources due to the ongoing nature of the conflict and limited access to some affected areas. Reports indicate that around 250 or more people have been killed in the violence so far, with thousands of homes destroyed or burned across both hill and valley regions.

Estimates suggest that nearly 4,800 houses have been damaged or reduced to ashes, forcing over 60,000 people into displacement and relief camps. Places of worship have also suffered heavily, with approximately 300 to 500 churches reported as damaged, vandalized, or burned, particularly in Christian-majority tribal areas. While the conflict affects multiple communities, Christian families in the hills have been among the most impacted, facing loss of homes, churches, and long-term displacement. The full human cost remains difficult to capture, but the scale of destruction reflects a deep and ongoing humanitarian and religious crisis.

Why this incident matters

The killing of pastors has created a deep sense of fear among Christian communities in Manipur.

In the aftermath of ongoing violence, there have also been reports and local claims of intimidation and warning notices circulating in some areas, which have further heightened anxiety among church leaders and believers. While the full details and sources of these reports remain difficult to independently verify, the atmosphere on the ground is already one of insecurity and pressure.

Closing statement:

The Emergency Committee to Save the Persecuted and Enslaved (ECSPE) strongly condemns the killing of the Christian pastors in Manipur. The targeting of religious leaders who were actively engaged in peace and reconciliation efforts is unacceptable and deeply alarming.

ECSPE calls on authorities to ensure a transparent investigation, hold those responsible accountable, and guarantee protection for vulnerable Christian communities across the region.

At the same time, ECSPE appeals to the global Christian community and all people of conscience: do not stay silent. Pray for the Christians of India. Pray for Manipur. Pray for peace, protection, and justice.