Imphal: The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body of the Tangkhul Nagas, has given the Manipur government a 24-hour ultimatum to release four villagers arrested during a joint security operation in Kamjong district, warning of civil unrest if its demand is not met.
The four villagers from Sikibung village—Yaoreingam Lungleng (21), Wungphayo Kasar (24), Ninglum Awungshi Shimray (26) and Vareiyo Lungleng, were detained on July 14 during a combing operation. According to the TNL, they are being held at Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district.
In a statement, the TNL condemned the operation, alleging that security forces targeted villagers while failing to act against armed groups operating in neighbouring areas. It also claimed that the searches, which extended to church premises and residential quarters, were carried out without the involvement of the local police.
The organisation demanded the unconditional release of the four detainees and warned that failure to do so within 24 hours could trigger widespread public unrest.
Meanwhile, Police said the detentions were made during an intelligence-based operation aimed at apprehending suspects linked to the July 6 ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Ukhrul district, in which two security personnel were killed.