In a major attack in troubled Manipur, at least three persons were killed and five others injured after suspected armed militants ambushed two vehicles in Kangpokpi district on Wednesday. Those killed were church leaders travelling in two vehicles when armed assailants allegedly intercepted them and opened fire.Security forces reportedly moved into neighbouring areas and launched a search operation following the incident, though no official confirmation regarding the identity of the attackers had been made till the time of reporting. Deployment of security personnel has also been increased in Kangpokpi, sources said.The deceased, identified by Kuki community organisations as Reverend V Sitlhou, Reverend Kaigoulen and pastor Paogoulen, were part of the Thadou Baptist Association and were reportedly travelling back to Kangpokpi after attending a church leaders’ meeting in Churachandpur.The latest violence has raised fresh concerns over security in the hill districts of Manipur, which have witnessed repeated incidents of armed clashes and attacks over the past year.Following the killings, Kangpokpi district witnessed widespread protests and a total shutdown after Thadou civil bodies in Sadar Hills gave the call, condemning the killings and demanding immediate justice for the victims.Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, along with members of his Cabinet and legislators, visited the injured persons undergoing treatment at a local hospital and strongly condemned the incident.In a statement issued after the attack, the CM described it as a “dastardly terror act” and said the violence had deeply disturbed the state at a time when Manipur was gradually moving towards peace and normalcy.He also appealed to all sections of society to maintain peace, exercise restraint and avoid emotional reactions that could further aggravate the situation. Singh urged people to immediately stop abductions, hostage-taking and intimidation along community lines.Assuring strict action against those responsible, the CM said the state government would use every available resource to identify and bring the perpetrators and their handlers to justice.Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho said no organisation had claimed responsibility for the incident so far and, therefore, it would not be appropriate to comment on the involvement of any particular group at this stage.On the possibility of handing over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), he said the government would first discuss the matter before taking a decision.Meanwhile, several tribal bodies condemned the incident. KIM, the apex body representing Kuki tribes in Manipur, described it as a “cowardly and barbaric ambush”. The organisation stated that one of those killed, Sitlhou, had recently participated in a peace mission in Kohima along with the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum to promote reconciliation and mutual understanding between Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul communities.Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also strongly condemned the killing of the delegation of Kuki church leaders in Manipur. In a social media post, he described the incident as “barbaric violence against innocent lives” and unacceptable in any civilised society.