Three Baptist pastors killed in ambush as they returned from church convention
The Evangelical Fellowship India expresses “anguish” over the attack in Manipur. “The killing of unarmed church leaders returning from Christian fellowship is deeply disturbing and tragic”.
13 MAY 2026 · 12:02 CET
![Statement of the Evangelical Fellowship India on 13 May 2026, over the killing of three Baptist pastors. / Image [link]EFI[/link]. ,](https://cms.evangelicalfocus.com/upload/imagenes/6a044ec1b3fbe_efiaCropped.jpg)
Three Baptist pastors have been killed and at least four other Christian leaders have been injured following a brutal attack on 13 May, as they were returning home after attending a church conference.
“According to information received from church leaders and sources on the ground, the church leaders were returning from a United Baptist Convention gathering in Churachandpur when they were ambushed while travelling towards Kangpokpi”, said the Evangelical Fellowship India, the national Evangelical Alliance.
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They were members of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI).
The surprise attack happend in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on 13 May 2026, and the entity representing evangelical Christians in India said that it “has received credible confirmation of the deaths of Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou, Pastor Kaigoulun Lhouvum, and Pastor Paogoulen Sitlhou”.
Additionally, “several others were also injured, including Rev. SM Haopu Sitlhou, Rev. Kaithang Singsit, Mr. Thangtinlen Sitlhou, and Mr. Lungoumang Lhouvum”.
Violence in the north-east of India
The Evangelical Fellowship India expressed in a statement posted on social media their “deep grief and anguish”.
“The killing of unarmed church leaders returning from Christian fellowship and ministry is deeply disturbing and tragic. At a time when Manipur continues to endure pain, division, displacement, and fear, such violence further wounds communities already under immense strain”, the EFI commented.
In the north east of India, prolonged conflict has left tragic division among communities.
“We urge the authorities to ensure urgent medical care for the injured, protection for affected communities, and a thorough, impartial investigation so that those responsible are brought to justice”, says the EFI. “We also appeal to all communities, organisations, and leaders to act with restraint and prevent any further escalation of violence”.
The entity representing all evangelical Christians in India, including Baptists called on other churches across India to “remember Manipur in their upcoming worship services, prayer meetings, and gatherings, asking God for comfort, healing, peace, and wisdom”.
The message closes with a quote from Psalm 34:18: ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit’.
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