A surprise combing operation by a combined team of security forces in TM Kasom, Lungphu and Sharkaphung (Sikibung), under Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, triggered fear among residents early Tuesday morning.
The raids were carried out without prior notice, with security forces entering homes and searching church premises during a meeting, completely surprising the residents. During the search, four local residents of Sharkaphung (Sikibung) were detained by security forces. The four arrested residents have been identified as Wungphayo Kasar, A.S. Ninglum, Yaoreingam Lungleng, and Vareiyo Lungleng.
Eyewitnesses reported 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. Wungreikhan Kasar, headman of Sharkaphung (Sikibung) village, has lodged a complaint at Litan Police Station.
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. 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.
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.
