Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, July 19:
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has announced an immediate blanket ban on security operations in all Tangkhul Naga villages following the continued judicial custody of four residents of Sharkaphung village arrested during a joint security operation earlier this week.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the TNL said the decision came into effect from July 18 after the authorities allegedly failed to release the four villagers despite the expiry of a 24-hour ultimatum issued by the organisation.
The arrested persons have been identified as Wungphayo Kasar (24), A.S. Ninglum (29), Yaoreingam Lungleng (24) and Vareiyo Lungleng (56), all residents of Sharkaphung village under Litan Police Station. According to the TNL, they were arrested during a joint operation conducted on July 14 by personnel of the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Punjab Regiment, Madras Regiment and Bihar Regiment.
The organisation alleged that the four were innocent civilians who had been falsely implicated as members of the NSCN (IM). It claimed that they were booked under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and are currently in judicial custody.
The TNL described the search and combing operation as illegal, alleging that security forces violated the fundamental and human rights of civilians during the exercise. It also alleged that school property was vandalised and the sanctity of a religious institution was desecrated, and called for an impartial inquiry and legal action if the allegations are found to be true.
Questioning the basis of the operation, the organisation stated that the alleged armed ambush cited by security agencies had reportedly occurred about 55 kilometres away near the Lungshang River under Hungpung village, while the search operation was conducted in the Litan area. It further alleged that the arrests were based on inaccurate intelligence and claimed that security agencies acted on information supplied by Kuki groups. These allegations could not be independently verified.
The TNL urged all Tangkhul Naga villages to remain vigilant and united in view of the prevailing security situation, and warned against further security operations in Tangkhul areas. It maintained that the continued detention of the four villagers had compelled the organisation to adopt stronger measures.
