The Sikibung (Sharkaphung) Village Authority has alleged that an armed group attempted to abduct and kill a villager in Kamjong district, while questioning the role of security forces.
Imphal, July 18: The Sikibung (Sharkaphung) Village Authority in Manipur's Kamjong district has alleged that an armed group attempted to abduct and kill one of its residents on July 17, while accusing security forces of failing to prevent the incident despite being stationed nearby.
In a press communiqué issued on Saturday, the village authority claimed that Abner Kasar, a resident of Sharkaphung village, narrowly escaped after he was allegedly captured, assaulted and threatened with death by what it described as "Kuki narco-terrorists."
The allegations have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate response from the Manipur Police, Border Security Force (BSF) or other security agencies regarding the claims.
According to the village authority, the incident began when a group of Kuki individuals was allegedly found fishing in a privately owned pond belonging to Mathotmi Shinglai, a resident of Sharkaphung village. The pond, the statement said, is located along the boundary between Sharkaphung village and Thawai Kuki village.
The village authority alleged that the group was using a dynamo to catch fish when Abner Kasar happened to pass by the area and witnessed the activity. It claimed that seven armed men then allegedly held him at gunpoint, captured him and forcibly took him towards their side with the intention of killing him. The statement further alleged that Kasar was assaulted repeatedly and struck with the butt of a firearm while being threatened with death.
According to the village authority, he managed to escape by fleeing through the Havako river stream before reaching the location where he was allegedly being taken.
The village authority questioned the role of Border Security Force personnel reportedly deployed close to the area where the incident allegedly occurred. It alleged that despite the presence of security personnel nearby, armed individuals were able to move freely carrying sophisticated weapons.
The authority also questioned what it described as selective enforcement of law, referring to the reported arrest of four villagers by the Bihar Regiment, who are currently in police custody. The statement asked why armed groups were allegedly able to operate freely while local villagers faced legal action.
Expressing concern over the security situation, the village authority alleged that government agencies had failed to fulfil their responsibility to protect civilians. It maintained that local residents were being left with little option but to stand together for their own safety if such incidents continued.
The authority further warned that if any similar incident occurs in the future, it would hold the State Government and security forces responsible for failing to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens.
No official statement has yet been issued by the Manipur Government, Manipur Police, BSF or the Army regarding the allegations made in the communiqué.
The incident comes amid continuing tensions in parts of Manipur, where allegations and counter-allegations between communities over security, violence and law enforcement continue to emerge. Authorities have not yet confirmed the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident or whether any formal investigation has been initiated.
