The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has alleged that a joint security operation in Sharkaphung village on July 14 left the area vulnerable, leading to an attempted abduction by armed Kuki militants on July 17.
In a statement, the TNL claimed that Abner Kasar (45) was inspecting fish traps near the boundary of Sharkaphung and Thawai Kuki village in Kamjong district when he confronted armed Kuki cadres allegedly engaged in illegal electro-fishing. The organisation alleged that Kasar was later assaulted and held at gunpoint by the armed group, but managed to escape after resisting the attempted abduction.
The TNL linked the incident to the July 14 search operation conducted by a joint team of the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Punjab Regiment, Madras Regiment and Bihar Regiment, during which four Sharkaphung village civil defence guards were arrested. It alleged that the operation left the village without adequate protection and enabled militant groups to enter the area.
Demanding action from the Manipur Government, the TNL accused the State and Central governments of failing to ensure the safety of Naga villages. The allegations could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate response from the authorities at the time of filing this report.