Security Forces Conduct Surprise Raids in Ukhrul and Kamjong, Causing Local Alarm

Gangtok, India Jul 15, 2026 ALN: 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.

The context of these raids must be understood against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the region. Ukhrul and Kamjong districts have been experiencing heightened conflict, particularly since early 2026, when violent clashes broke out between different ethnic groups, notably the Tangkhul Nagas and the Kuki community. These conflicts have roots in long-standing ethnic and territorial disputes, exacerbated by socio-economic issues and political grievances.

The SoO (Suspension of Operations) pact, which was intended to bring peace and stability, has been criticized for failing to curb violence effectively. Instead, the situation has deteriorated, with allegations of militant activities and retaliatory violence becoming more commonplace. The Kuki militants, who are accused of conducting aggressive operations against Naga villages, have reportedly been involved in various illegal activities, including narcotics trafficking, which complicates the security landscape further.

The operations conducted by security forces in the Tangkhul Naga villages, including the recent raids, have raised questions about the approach and effectiveness of the security strategy in the region. The TNL's strong response highlights the community's frustration and fear regarding the potential for further escalation of violence. The raids, perceived as heavy-handed, have not only led to the detention of local residents but have also instilled a sense of insecurity among the populace, who are already grappling with the repercussions of ongoing conflict.

Moreover, the involvement of multiple security forces, including the Assam Rifles and various regiments of the Indian Army, signifies the seriousness with which the state is addressing the unrest. However, the TNL's allegations of selective targeting raise concerns about the impartiality of these operations. The perception that Kuki villages are being spared from similar scrutiny while Naga villages face aggressive raids could further deepen ethnic divides and fuel resentment.

The demand for the immediate release of the detained villagers underscores the urgency of the situation. The TNL's warning of potential civil unrest signals a critical juncture, where the failure to address community grievances could lead to broader unrest and destabilization in the region. The Tangkhul community, already under strain from violent conflicts, may resort to protests or other forms of civil disobedience if their demands are not met.

This incident also raises broader questions about the role of security forces in conflict zones and the balance between maintaining law and order and respecting the rights of local communities. As the government navigates this complex landscape, it faces the challenge of restoring trust among the affected populations while ensuring that security measures do not infringe upon civil liberties.

In conclusion, the recent raids in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts reflect the volatile situation in Manipur, where ethnic tensions have led to an ongoing cycle of violence and retribution. The actions of security forces, while aimed at curbing militant activities, must be carefully calibrated to avoid exacerbating existing grievances and fostering further unrest. As the community awaits the fate of the detained villagers, the implications of this incident could resonate far beyond the immediate locality, potentially impacting regional stability and inter-community relations in the long term.