Thadou church leaders remain at the centre of a justice campaign in Manipur, with the Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) questioning the pace of the investigation into their May 13 killings. The organisation said more than 100 days have passed since the deadly ambush in Kangpokpi district.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the case, but TIM says there has been no publicly known arrest linked to the killings. It has called for an independent, transparent and time-bound investigation, while stressing that any action must follow evidence and due process.
Thadou church leaders killed in Kangpokpi ambush
The Thadou church leaders were attacked on May 13 while travelling from Churachandpur towards Kangpokpi. The ambush took place at Zero Point, between Kotzim and Kotlen, according to the NIA case record.
The three deceased were identified as Rev. Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, president of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI), Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum, its finance secretary, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou. Five others were injured in the attack, according to statements issued after the incident.
The victims had attended a Baptist gathering in Churachandpur before returning towards Kangpokpi. Their deaths drew condemnation from church bodies, civil society organisations and political leaders, who called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
NIA takes over the investigation
The investigation later moved to the NIA. The agency’s official case listing identifies the matter as RC-09/2026/NIA/IMP and records the May 13 ambush involving two vehicles at Zero Point.
The NIA’s case page confirms that the agency is investigating the incident. A report in June said the agency had registered the case after receiving the central government’s order to take further action.
Meanwhile, investigators have been gathering information from people connected with the case. A July report said NIA officials interviewed United Naga Council president N.G. Lorho as part of the investigation and were collecting witness accounts. The same report said investigators had conducted raids and arrested two suspects, although this claim has not been reflected in the NIA’s public case listing.
Thadou church leaders group questions delay
TIM has now renewed its demand for accountability. In a statement dated September 4, the organisation said more than 100 days had passed since the attack without a publicly known arrest.
TIM also questioned the effectiveness, transparency and credibility of the investigation. However, the group said it was not seeking arbitrary arrests and instead wanted an evidence-based process that identifies and prosecutes everyone found responsible.
The organisation has called for investigators to examine not only those who may have carried out the attack, but also anyone who may have planned, facilitated or obstructed justice. It also urged authorities to protect the investigation from political or institutional interference.
Calls for justice began soon after attack
Calls for a stronger investigation began within days of the killings. On May 17, Thadou Inpi Manipur demanded an NIA probe, citing concerns over the failure to identify and arrest those responsible for the ambush.
The Thadou Students’ Association later repeated the demand, asking for an independent and time-bound investigation. It also sought stronger security for survivors, witnesses and church leaders connected with the case.
These demands came amid wider tensions between communities in Manipur’s hill districts. The identities of alleged perpetrators have been disputed, and different groups have issued competing claims about responsibility. Therefore, allegations must be separated from facts established through investigation and court proceedings.
Justice remains the central demand
For the families and supporters of the Thadou church leaders, the investigation has become a test of accountability in a state still dealing with prolonged ethnic tensions. TIM says the passage of time should not weaken efforts to establish what happened and who was responsible.
The NIA continues to list the case as an active investigation. For now, the key questions remain whether investigators can establish the sequence of events, identify the perpetrators and present evidence strong enough to support prosecution.
As the probe continues, the Thadou community is seeking clarity rather than unresolved allegations. The demand is for a credible legal process that can provide answers to the families while ensuring that responsibility is determined through evidence and due process.
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