The sequence of events has raised serious questions about security measures in Manipur’s conflict-affected hill districts. Critics have asked why no arrests were reported despite the detention of armed individuals and the recovery of weapons.
BY PC Bureau
June 11, 2026: Just hours before armed assailants killed two Kuki villagers in Kultuh village, Kamjong district, Manipur Police had detained and eight armed men during a security operation in the nearby Horei Kaphung hills (Lower Leishan Ridge) along the Ukhrul-Kamjong border area, only to release them with a warning despite intelligence inputs of possible attacks on vulnerable villages.
In a statement posted on X on June 10 under the title “Combing Ops to Disengage Armed Militants & Village Volunteers”, Manipur Police said security forces had acted on intelligence reports indicating that armed groups were planning attacks on isolated hill villages.
Combing Ops to Disengage armed militants & Village Volunteers on 10 June 2026:
In view of recent developments, there were intelligent reports that armed persons were planning to attack isolated villages in hills. Accordingly, a joint operation was launched at Horei Kaphung hills… pic.twitter.com/mMAgMNv082
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) June 10, 2026
According to the statement, a joint operation was launched in the Horei Kaphung hills, where security personnel spotted approximately a dozen armed individuals positioned on hilltops. While several fled, eight were detained and disarmed.
Police stated that the detained individuals were subsequently released after being issued a stern warning not to carry weapons or venture into the hills. The operation also led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition and other war-like stores from unauthorized bunkers in the area.
The statement concluded by affirming that security forces remain committed to conducting operations to protect all affected communities and villages.
READ: Manipur: Kuki Church Deacon and Youth Leader Killed in Kamjong
Deadly Attack Follows Hours Later
In the early hours of June 11, armed attackers struck Kultuh village in Kamjong district. The assault left two civilians dead — Letminlun Haokip, Head Deacon of the village church, and Lunminthang Haokip, President of the village youth club.
Several houses were reportedly set on fire, multiple villagers sustained injuries, and a number of families were displaced as residents fled the area.
Local Kuki organizations have alleged that militants linked to the NSCN-IM, including Tangkhul and Eastern Flank elements, were responsible for the attack. These allegations have not been officially confirmed by security agencies.
Questions Raised Over Release of Armed Men
The decision to release the eight detained armed militants is baffling, to say the least and raised serious questions about security protocols in a region already affected by prolonged ethnic tensions and recurring violence.
Critics have pointed to the apparent contradiction between intelligence warnings of planned attacks, the detention of armed militants, and the recovery of weapons and ammunition, yet the absence of arrests or criminal proceedings against those detained.
Notably, the police statement made no reference to any legal action being initiated and described the operation primarily as a “disengagement” exercise.
The incident has renewed concerns over security in Manipur’s hill districts, where tensions among various communities and the activities of armed groups continue to pose significant challenges to peace and stability.
