A suspected UKNA militant was killed during an encounter with security forces in Churachandpur district. MLA Letzamang Haokip and KSO have demanded an independent inquiry.
Churachandpur, June 17: A Kuki militant suspected to be affiliated with the banned United Kuki National Army (UKNA) was reportedly killed some others injured in an exchange of fire with security forces between Molphei and Songkong villages in Manipur's Churachandpur district on Tuesday, officials said. The deceased was identified as Lenminsang Haokip, a resident of Churachandpur district.
According to a statement issued by Churachandpur Police on Wednesday, information was received from the Assam Rifles regarding an encounter that took place on June 16 involving a joint column of the Assam Rifles and the Army against suspected militants operating in the area.
The police statement said one suspected militant was killed during the operation. Security forces also recovered one AK-47 rifle along with magazines, ammunition, explosives and other incriminating items from the encounter site.
"A case has been registered and further investigation is in progress," the statement said.
Sources said the operation was launched following intelligence inputs regarding the presence of UKNA cadres in the area. According to a senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, security personnel moved towards the suspected location after receiving specific information.
"When the security forces approached the location, some armed cadres suspected to be UKNA members, who had already taken positions, opened fire on the security forces. The security forces retaliated immediately, resulting in a heavy exchange of gunfire," the officer said.
The officer added that no personnel from the security forces were injured during the operation.
Following the encounter, additional security personnel were deployed in the area and extensive search operations were launched to trace other armed cadres believed to have escaped and to secure the surrounding region.
However, the incident has sparked controversy after local organisations and a legislator disputed the official version of events and alleged that the deceased was an unarmed civilian.
Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip issued a statement strongly condemning the killing of Lenminsang, whom he described as a civilian from the area.
The MLA said it was deeply disturbing that a person had lost his life at the hands of those entrusted with public protection. He further referred to allegations made by eyewitnesses that after being shot, the deceased's clothes were removed and his body was taken away by the joint security forces.
Haokip said allegations that the incident was later portrayed as an encounter were serious and required immediate, impartial and transparent investigation.
He demanded the immediate recovery and handover of the mortal remains to the family, a judicial and independent inquiry into the incident and strict action against anyone found responsible. He also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and extended support for their demand for justice.
The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur, also issued a statement condemning what it described as the alleged killing of Lenminsang during a security operation at North Songkong village.
The organisation cited eyewitness accounts claiming that Lenminsang was an unarmed civilian who remained at home due to medical reasons and had no involvement in armed activities. According to the KSO statement, he allegedly came out of his house during the operation after hearing reported drone bombing and mortar fire and was subsequently chased and shot by security personnel.
The student body said the circumstances surrounding the death and the removal of the body had raised concerns of a possible fake encounter and extrajudicial killing.
KSO demanded registration of an FIR, a judicially monitored independent investigation, preservation of all evidence and prosecution of those found responsible if wrongdoing is established. The organisation also called on the government and authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in the investigation.
Meanwhile, police said the case remains under investigation and further details would emerge following the inquiry.
