Imphal: The Tangkhul Naga Long Working Committee declared a blanket ban on all security operations within Tangkhul Naga villages. This directive took effect on July 18. It follows the failure of authorities to release four villagers held in judicial custody after a 24-hour ultimatum expired.
Security forces arrested Wungphayo Kasar, 24, A.S. Ninglum, 29, Yaoreingam Lungleng, 24, and Vareiyo Lungleng, 56, on July 14. All four men reside in Sharkaphung village under the Litan Police Station. A joint force including the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Punjab Regiment, Madras Regiment, and Bihar Regiment conducted the sweep.
Authorities booked the men under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The TNL maintains the men are innocent civilians falsely labeled as NSCN-IM cadres. The organization argues that the operation stemmed from "inaccurate intelligence inputs."
The TNL leveled additional accusations against the security personnel. They claim troops vandalized school property and desecrated a religious institution. Furthermore, the group points out the search took place 55 kilometres away from the site of an alleged armed ambush near the Lungshang River. The organization alleged that security agencies acted on misleading information supplied by Kuki groups.
The TNL called for an impartial inquiry into the conduct of the forces. They urged villages to stay vigilant. The organization remains firm in its stance, stating that the continued detention of the four villagers had "compelled the organisation to adopt stronger measures."
Comments