Ukhrul/Kamjong: A surprise combing operation by a combined team of security forces early Tuesday morning in TM Kasom, Lungphu and Sharkaphung (Sikibung), under Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, triggered fear among residents.
According to locals, the raids were carried out without prior notice. Security forces entered homes and searched church premises during a meeting, completely surprising the residents. During the search, four local residents of Sharkaphung (Sikibung) were detained by security forces. Wungreikhan Kasar, headman of Sharkaphung (Sikibung) village, has reportedly lodged a complaint at Litan Police Station.
The four arrested residents have been identified as Wungphayo Kasar (24), s/o Yurthan Kasar; A.S. Ninglum (29), s/o AS Hopeson; Yaoreingam Lungleng (24), s/o Makanmi Lungleng; and Vareiyo Lungleng (56), s/o Tuifa Lungleng.
Eyewitnesses also informed that security forces entered a church compound to conduct a search while members were attending a half-yearly audit meeting at the pastor’s quarters at TM Kasom around 8 am. The house of a retired Indian Army serviceman was also reportedly searched.
Meanwhile, the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has demanded the immediate release of the four allegedly illegally arrested villagers of Sharkaphung (Sikibung) within 24 hours.
Taking serious exception to the combing operation conducted by the combined team of police, Assam Rifles, Punjab Regiment, Madras Regiment and Bihar Regiment in certain Tangkhul Naga villages—namely TM Kasom, Sharkaphung and Lungphu—the apex body of the Tangkhul community claimed that the villagers were whisked away between 8 am and 9 am by security forces and that their whereabouts were still unknown at the time of issuing the official statement.
The TNL further stated that the Tangkhul community is totally exasperated over the conduct of security forces in launching operations against the oppressed villages, including TM Kasom and Sharkaphung, which have been under aggressive attack from Kuki militants under the SoO pact and Kuki narco-terrorist groups since the outbreak of violent conflict in Ukhrul district on February 7, 2026.
The apex body also alleged that the Kuki villages, the epicentres of violence in Ukhrul and Kamjong, have remained untouched by security forces to date.
In view of the developing circumstances, the Working Committee of TNL warned that the excesses committed by security forces could have serious ramifications and further worsen the situation beyond control.
Failure to release the four arrested villagers of Sharkaphung within 24 hours would lead to serious civil unrest against the state government, the TNL warned.
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