Imphal, May 18: The Thadou Students’ Association has strongly condemned the ambush on a group of Thadou Baptist Church leaders at the Kotlen–Kotzim Inter Village Road in Manipur’s Kangchup Geljang Sub-Division, an incident in which Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou and two other senior pastors were killed while five others sustained injuries.
In a detailed statement issued after the May 13 attack, the student body described the incident as an act of terrorism and alleged criminal negligence, communal bias and administrative failure by the Manipur government led by Yumnam Khemchand Singh.
The association expressed appreciation for the intervention of personnel from the Assam Rifles, including officers it named in its statement, for their actions following the ambush. TSA alleged that ethnic divisions had affected the response of state police forces and accused the police leadership of failing to effectively maintain law and order.
The organisation further criticised the functioning of the state police administration, alleging that counter-insurgency personnel were being restricted to support duties rather than active operations. It claimed that dissatisfaction had grown over the present security situation and handling of the crisis.
TSA also accused the state government of failing to take concrete action several days after the killings and alleged that the silence of Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho reflected neglect of concerns raised by the Thadou community.
The association further alleged that authorities had avoided explicitly identifying the victims as Thadou church leaders and accused the administration of favouring particular groups. It also criticised the silence of certain tribal organisations over the incident.
Concerns were additionally raised regarding the treatment of injured survivors. TSA claimed that those injured were shifted from a private hospital in Imphal to Kangpokpi Civil Hospital shortly after surgery under security escort and alleged discriminatory treatment in the process.
Referring to the Thadou-Meitei Community Understanding signed in August 2025, the organisation claimed that despite the absence of direct tensions between Thadou and Meitei communities, members of the Thadou community continued to face restrictions. It also alleged attempts to create divisions by attributing responsibility for the attack to other communities.
The student body further raised concerns over what it described as attempts to undermine Thadou identity and linked previous incidents involving members of the community to a broader pattern of targeted actions.
Reiterating its commitment to peace and legal processes, TSA said the burial of the deceased church leaders was conducted peacefully. It also referred to remarks reportedly made by the son of Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, who sought justice while expressing forgiveness in accordance with Christian beliefs.
Among its key demands, TSA called for an investigation by the National Investigation Agency, enhanced security for survivors, action against organisations accused of intimidation, removal of the Manipur Director General of Police and an end to what it described as discriminatory treatment of Thadou people in Imphal.
The association warned that failure to address the matter could further deepen mistrust among communities and affect stability in Manipur.
