Ukhrul, July 19, 2026: The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has strongly condemned the alleged intrusion of armed Kuki militants into Sharkaphung village in Kamjong district and the reported abduction of a villager on July 17.
In a press communiqué issued from its Ukhrul headquarters on Sunday, the Working Committee alleged that armed cadres operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement entered the jurisdiction of Sharkaphung village and abducted a resident identified as Abner Kasar, 45, while he was inspecting fish traps in a stream bordering the neighbouring Thawai Kuki village.
According to the statement, the incident occurred around 4 pm, three days after a joint search and combing operation was reportedly conducted in the area by personnel of the State Police, Assam Rifles, Punjab Regiment, Madras Regiment and Bihar Regiment. The operation had reportedly led to the apprehension of four civilian defence guards from Sharkaphung village.
The Working Committee claimed that armed individuals were seen entering Sharkaphung farmlands and engaging in electro-fishing. Abner Kasar, who was reportedly attending to his fish traps nearby, allegedly confronted the group and managed to chase them towards the paddy fields.
The communiqué stated that the armed men later regrouped and overpowered him. While three of the cadres allegedly assaulted him and attempted to take him towards a forested area, another group reportedly fired shots in the direction of the villagers.
The Working Committee said Kasar managed to escape after resisting his captors and subsequently informed fellow villagers about the incident. Following his escape, the armed cadres reportedly retreated towards the adjoining areas of Sharkaphung village.
The TNL Working Committee alleged that the incident was a consequence of the earlier search and combing operation, claiming that village defence guards had been arrested and the village left vulnerable to possible attacks.
It further alleged that the security operation had created confusion among residents and weakened the village’s ability to protect its farmland and surrounding areas. The committee questioned the manner in which the operation was carried out and accused the security forces of failing to prevent the subsequent intrusion.
Expressing concern over the security situation in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur’s hill districts, the Working Committee demanded that the authorities provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The committee also urged the state and central governments to take effective measures to prevent further incursions, intimidation or violence against villagers.
It appealed to the Khemchand-led Manipur government to address the activities of armed groups operating under the SoO framework and other insurgent organisations in the region. The committee alleged that Naga villagers had repeatedly faced threats and violence and accused the authorities of failing to ensure their safety.
Holding the state government and the Centre responsible for the alleged security lapses, the TNL Working Committee called for immediate action to restore public confidence and ensure adequate protection for Sharkaphung and other vulnerable villages.
The statement was issued by the Media Cell of the Working Committee, Tangkhul Naga Long.
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