KANGPOKPI: The Eastern Kuki Chiefs' Association (EKCA) strongly condemned what it described as a "barbaric and premeditated" militant attack on Kultuh village in Kamjong district, where two prominent church leaders were killed and a church along with several houses were set ablaze in the early hours Thursday.

According to the EKCA, heavily armed militants allegedly belonging to the NSCN (Eastern Flank) and the Shanni National Army (SNA) launched the attack around 4 am, setting fire to seven houses, including the village church, and unleashing terror on sleeping residents.

The attack claimed the lives of Letminlun Haokip, head deacon of Kultuh Church, and Lunminthang Haokip, youth chairman of the church.

Two other civilians sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment, the association said. Condemning the incident in the strongest terms, EKCA termed the assault a "heinous crime against humanity" and accused the attackers of deliberately targeting innocent civilians and a place of worship.

"The burning of a church and the killing of unarmed civilians represent a grave assault on human dignity, religious freedom, and the fundamental right to life," the association said in a statement.

The chiefs' body said the attack had plunged the entire village into grief and fear, while further aggravating tensions in the violence-hit region.

Expressing deep sorrow over the deaths, EKCA extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

The association urged the government and security agencies to launch an immediate and thorough investigation, identify those responsible, and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.

It also called for enhanced security measures in vulnerable villages, warning that continued attacks on civilians pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the region