UKHRUL: A coalition of Kuki civil society organisations in Henglep subdivision has alleged that a villager was killed during a security forces operation on June 16.
The Kuki CSOs in a joint statement identified the deceased as Lemminsang Haokip of Songkong village and accused security personnel of fatally shooting him during an operation that reportedly involved the use of drones and mortar fire.
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The allegations come amid continuing tensions in Manipur’s hill districts, where security operations and sporadic armed confrontations have remained a source of concern for local communities.
According to the Joint Kuki CSOs Henglep, Lemminsang Haokip had remained at home due to health-related reasons while other villagers were away in their fields. The organisations claimed that he ran out of his house after a reported drone strike near the village and was subsequently shot by security personnel.
The statement further alleged that security forces removed the body from the scene and that it had not been returned to the family as of June 16. The organisations said villagers later recovered blood-stained clothing and footwear near his residence.
Describing the incident as a possible case requiring independent investigation, the CSOs expressed concern over what they termed an attempt to portray the deceased as a militant. They called for accountability from officers overseeing the operation and demanded that the circumstances surrounding the death be made public.
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The statement was jointly issued by the Henglep Sub-Division Chief’s Association, Kuki Students’ Organisation Henglep Block, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi Henglep Block and Henglep Women Society.
No official statement from the security forces regarding the allegations has been made available. However, Manipur Police said “one suspected militant was killed.” It added at “one AK-47 rifle, along with magazines, ammunition, explosives, and other incriminating items, was recovered from the spot” in an encounter between Songkong and Molphei villages.
