Imphal: Melbourne Thadou Baptist Church (MTBC) has extended financial assistance to the victims of the 13 May 2026 attack in Manipur, India, which claimed the lives of three Thadou Christian leaders and left five others injured.
The three deceased leaders of the Thadou Baptist Association India (TBAI) were its President, Rev. Dr. Vumthang Sitlhou; Finance Secretary, Rev. Kaigoulun Lhouvum; and Pastor Paogoulun Sitlhou. The five injured survivors were Rev. S. M. Haopu (Executive Secretary of TBAI), Rev. Hekai Simte, Rev. Kaikhothang Singsit, and two drivers, Thangtinlen Sitlhou and Goumang Lhouvum.
With its mission to serve and support those in need, MTBC provided Rs. 20,000 each to the families of the deceased and Rs. 5,600 each to the injured survivors. The assistance was distributed through Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) and the Thadou Students’ Association (TSA), whose representatives visited all the affected families and conveyed words of comfort, prayer, encouragement, and solidarity during this time of grief and suffering.
The tragedy has deeply affected not only the bereaved families but also the wider Thadou community and beyond.
While the case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for investigation, with hopes of securing justice and closure, the families have demonstrated forgiveness in keeping with their Christian faith. Nevertheless, there is a continued call for due legal process so that those responsible are brought to justice and similar tragedies may be prevented in the future.
MTBC also expresses its sincere gratitude to TIM and TSA for their assistance and cooperation in this matter.
Even as the community continues to show resilience in the face of pain and human rights violations, we urge churches, members of the Thadou community, and all concerned to continue praying for unity, peace, healing, and communal harmony in Manipur and other places affected by unrest and violence. May God guide the Thadou community toward freedom from fear, injustice, and persecution, and toward lasting peace, dignity, and security.
