The Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has declared a blanket ban on all security operations across Tangkhul Naga villages, effective immediately from July 18, 2026. The drastic measure comes in response to the alleged illegal arrest and subsequent failure to release four “innocent civilians” from Sharkaphung village in Kamjong district by a combined team of security forces earlier this week.
The TNL’s decision follows the expiration of a 24-hour deadline for the unconditional release of the four villagers, which ended on July 15, 2026. The organization unequivocally states that the arrests constitute gross violations of human rights and democratic principles.
Arrests, alleged false charges
On July 14, 2026, a joint team comprising personnel from the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Punjab Regiment, Madras Regiment, and Bihar Regiment reportedly arrested four Tangkhul Naga villagers from Sharkaphung village under Litan Police Station. The arrested individuals have been identified as Mr. Wungphayo Kasar (24), s/o Yurthan Kasar; Mr. A.S. Ninglum (29), s/o AS Hopeson; Mr. Yaoreingam Lungleng (24), s/o Makanmi Lungleng; and Mr. Vareiyo Lungleng (56), s/o Tuifa Lungleng.
According to the TNL, these individuals were “illegally arrested and falsely charged under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023,” and wrongly implicated as cadres of the NSCN (IM). The four are currently lodged in judicial custody.
Human rights abuses, desecration
The TNL’s Working Committee has vehemently condemned the security forces’ conduct during the combing operation, highlighting severe allegations of human rights abuses. Beyond the arrests, the committee accused the joint team of vandalizing school properties and desecrating religious institutions.
It said the illegal search and combing operation carried out by these security forces openly violated fundamental human rights and democratic principles. “The security forces had brazenly vandalised school properties and desecrated the sanctity of religious institutions,” it said, calling for serious review and necessary action as per the law of the land.
Questionable Intelligence
The TNL has also cast serious doubt on the intelligence inputs that led to the operation in Litan areas. The committee pointed out a significant geographical discrepancy, noting that an alleged armed ambush occurred approximately 55 kilometers away near Lungshang River under Hungpung village.
“It defies all logic that an ambush occurred 55 kilometers away, yet innocent civilians in Litan areas were rounded up and falsely branded as culprits,” the TNL committee stated. “It is pertinent to raise questions on the conduct of the security forces during this conflict time-when the Naga villagers are under immense pressure, uncertainty and emotional turmoil in the face of the aggressive Kuki’s stance.”
The committee further noted the security forces acted solely based on inaccurate intelligence inputs from the Kukis against the Tangkhul Nagas.
Call for civil vigilance
The TNL has urged law enforcing agencies under both state and central governments to be vigilant against what they term as “manipulative policies plotted by their collaborators – the Kuki narco-terrorists,” which they believe are designed to target Tangkhul Nagas amidst the current conflict.
Significantly, the declaration of the blanket ban on security operations marks a significant escalation in tensions and underscores the deep mistrust between the Tangkhul Naga community and the security forces. The TNL has called upon all Tangkhul Naga villages to remain vigilant for any untoward circumstances in the wake of this development.