Security forces detained four persons during an intelligence-based operation in Kamjong linked to the July 6 Ukhrul ambush, prompting Tangkhul organisations to seek their immediate release.
Imphal, July 14: Security forces on Tuesday detained four persons during an intelligence-based operation in Manipur's Kamjong district as part of efforts to track down those allegedly involved in the July 6 ambush on security personnel in neighbouring Ukhrul district.
The operation was carried out in the areas of TM Kasom, Litan and Sikibung under Litan Police Station by a joint team comprising personnel from the Assam Rifles, Bihar Regiment, Madras Regiment, Mahar Regiment, Punjab Regiment and Manipur Police, according to local sources.
The four detainees have been identified as Yaoreingam Lungleng (21), son of L. Makanmi; Wungphayo Kasar (24), son of Yurthan Kasar; Ninglum Awungshi Shimray (26), son of Hopeson Awungshi Shimray; and Vareiyo Lungleng, son of late Tuifer Lungleng. All are residents of Sikibung village in Kamjong district.
Sources said the individuals were taken into custody at around 8.30 am from Sikibung village during the combing operation. They were later reportedly shifted to Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district.
An intelligence-based operation has been launched by Security Forces in the areas of TM Kasom, Litan and Sikibung to arrest the perpetrators of the ambush on security forces in Ukhrul district on 06 July 2026. 3 persons have been detained.
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) July 14, 2026
Farming activities are continuing…
In a post on X, the Manipur Police stated that security forces had launched an intelligence-based operation in TM Kasom, Litan and Sikibung to apprehend those responsible for the ambush on security personnel in Ukhrul district on July 6.
The police stated that three persons had been detained during the operation. It also noted that farming activities continued without disruption, shops remained open and regulated traffic along National Highway-202 was functioning normally.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the identities of those detained or clarified whether formal arrests have been made in connection with the investigation.
Residents of Sikibung and TM Kasom claimed that the operation began around 7.30 am, with security personnel carrying out extensive house-to-house searches.
According to villagers, residential houses, church premises and other buildings were searched during the exercise.
They further alleged that the operation was conducted without prior information being shared with the local police station and claimed that officials at Litan Police Station were initially unable to provide information on the whereabouts of the detained villagers. A missing persons report was subsequently lodged by village authorities, they said.
The operation triggered strong reactions from Tangkhul civil society organisations.
The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) demanded the immediate release of what it described as four innocent villagers and warned that failure to release them within 24 hours would lead to widespread civil unrest against the state government.
The organisation maintained that the detainees were civilians and expressed concern over what it described as repeated security actions targeting Tangkhul villages.
Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), the apex Tangkhul students' body, strongly condemned what it termed the alleged abduction of four innocent villagers during the security operation.
The organisation asserted that the detained individuals were law-abiding villagers actively engaged in protecting their community amid the prevailing security situation in the region.
TKS questioned the transparency of the operation, alleging that no prior information had been communicated to the nearest police station. It also claimed that the police version issued later was inconsistent with information provided by village authorities.
The students' body demanded immediate disclosure of the detainees' whereabouts, their safe and unconditional release if held by any security agency, and a transparent, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the operation.
It also urged the Government of Manipur, the Government of India and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene and ensure accountability while safeguarding the constitutional rights of citizens.
The operation comes as security forces continue intensified searches in parts of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts following the July 6 ambush on security personnel, with investigations into the attack still underway.
