The villagers have demanded an independent probe, claiming Lamkhohao was carrying only rice, medicines and a traditional dao knife when he was stopped.
BY PC Bureau
June 17, 2026: A 24-year-old man, identified as Lamkhohao, the son of the chief of Songkong village, was killed during an operation involving the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Manipur’s Henglep Sub-Division on Wednesday, triggering allegations of a fake encounter from local residents and community leaders.
According to preliminary reports, Lamkhohao — described by villagers as the eldest son of Songkong village chief Thangboi — was intercepted by security personnel while travelling along a jungle path to a nearby hamlet.
The CRPF has reportedly described the incident as an encounter involving a suspected militant and stated that a weapon was recovered from the site. Officials said the operation was launched based on credible intelligence inputs concerning security threats in the area, which has witnessed intensified counter-insurgency operations in recent months.
This morning, Mr. Lenminsang of Kolchung village who was present at Songkong Village, Henglep Subdivision, Manipur was reportedly
k!lled by security forces while going to a regular duty owing to the failure of the same SF to protect us. Why this biased? @adgpi @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/xVH4nbjojn— KUKI HILLS (@Nampi_Romeokuki) June 17, 2026
However, family members and villagers have strongly disputed the official account, insisting that Lamkhohao was a civilian with no links to any armed group. They claimed he was carrying only a small bag containing rice, medicines and a traditional dao knife commonly used for clearing vegetation and other routine agricultural work.
However, independent sources disputed both the official and family accounts, describing Lamkhohao as a “village volunteer” involved in local defence efforts. Such volunteers, they said, are often armed to protect their communities from rival groups amid Manipur’s prolonged ethnic violence.
Local residents have alleged that the killing was a “fake encounter” and have demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. They have called for the examination of any available body-camera footage, forensic evidence and witness testimonies to establish the facts.
News of the incident spread rapidly across the region, plunging Songkong village into mourning. The bereaved family, supported by villagers and community members, has demanded justice and accountability. Social media campaigns carrying the hashtag #JusticeForLamkhohao have also gained traction among sections of the Kuki-Zo community.
The incident comes against the backdrop of continuing ethnic tensions and security challenges in Manipur, where encounters, ambushes and allegations of civilian casualties have frequently accompanied counter-insurgency operations. Security forces, including the CRPF, conduct regular operations in remote hill areas such as Henglep to curb insurgent activities.
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No official statement has yet been issued by senior police officials or district authorities providing further details of the operation or responding to the allegations raised by the family and local residents.
Further details are awaited as inquiries into the incident proceed.
