BY PC Bureau
June 17, 2026 — The security operation conducted near North Songkong Village in Manipur’s Churachandpur district has triggered widespread outrage among Kuki-Zo organizations and local leaders, following allegations that a civilian was killed in a staged encounter and that evidence was subsequently tampered with.
According to local accounts, the operation was carried out at approximately 2:00 p.m. in the Henglep Sub-Division by security personnel reportedly including members of the Central Reserve Police Force’s Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and other joint forces.
The operation resulted in the death of Lenminsang Haokip, son of Lenkhogin Haokip and a resident of Kolchung village. Community leaders state that Haokip was serving as a village volunteer on guard duty at Songkong at the time of the incident. They further allege that his body was removed by security personnel and had not been returned to the family.
The incident has prompted strong condemnation from village authorities, civil society organizations, political representatives, and Kuki-Zo groups, who have described the killing as a “fake encounter” and called for an independent investigation.
Allegations of Extrajudicial Killing
Village authorities and local residents contend that no genuine exchange of fire took place during the operation. They allege that security forces employed advanced weaponry, including drones and explosives, during the assault and acted without sufficient regard for civilian safety.
Community leaders maintain that Haokip was an unarmed civilian and not affiliated with any insurgent organization. The United Kuki National Army (UKNA), in a statement issued on June 17, asserted that the deceased had never been a member or associate of the group.
MLA Condemns Killing, Demands Judicial Probe
The strongest political response came from Letzamang Haokip, who issued a detailed statement on June 17 condemning the killing and raising concerns over allegations surrounding the incident.
In his statement, the legislator said he “strongly and unequivocally” condemned the killing of Lenminsang Haokip by joint security forces at North Songkong village, describing the incident as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”
“It is deeply disturbing and unacceptable that a civilian has lost his life at the hands of those entrusted with his protection,” the MLA stated, adding that such an incident “strikes at the very foundation of public trust and raises serious concerns that cannot be ignored.”
Haokip also highlighted eyewitness allegations that, after the shooting, the victim’s clothes were removed and his body was taken away by security personnel. He noted claims that attempts were subsequently made to portray the death as the result of a legitimate encounter.
“If these allegations are found to be true, it would constitute a grave abuse of authority and a serious violation of the rule of law,” he said. “This is unacceptable and demands immediate attention.”
Calling the allegations “extremely serious,” the MLA demanded an immediate, impartial and transparent investigation. He further expressed concern over the failure to return the deceased’s body to the family, stating that it had compounded the grief and anguish of relatives and the wider public.
“Every family has the right to perform the last rites of their loved one with dignity and respect,” he said.
Haokip called for the immediate recovery and handover of the mortal remains, a thorough judicial and independent inquiry into the incident, and stringent action against anyone found responsible. He also urged authorities to investigate any alleged attempts to conceal facts, tamper with evidence, or misrepresent the circumstances surrounding the death.
The MLA concluded by extending his condolences to the bereaved family and affirming his support for their pursuit of “truth and justice.”
Claims of Evidence Tampering
Among the most serious allegations are claims that security personnel altered the appearance of the deceased after the shooting in an attempt to portray him as a militant.
Eyewitnesses and local organizations allege that Haokip’s civilian clothing was removed and replaced with military-style attire before his body was taken away from the scene. The Songkong Village Authority, in a statement issued on June 17, claimed that security personnel “stripped him of his civilian clothes, dressed him in military uniform, and removed his body,” adding that his remains had yet to be returned to the family.
Similar allegations were echoed by local MLA Letzamang Haokip and the UKNA, both of whom called for an impartial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
If substantiated, the allegations could raise serious concerns regarding evidence tampering, fabrication of encounter narratives, and violations of human rights and due process.
Videos and images purportedly linked to the incident have circulated on social media, with community members claiming they support allegations of body handling and staging. However, these materials have not been independently verified.
🆘️Framed in Death:
Crime scene evidence from Henglep exposed how security forces staged a fake encounter to murder the son of a village chief in cold blood.
To cover up the extrajudicial killing, the SF stripped off his civilian attire immediately, secretly hauled away & hid… pic.twitter.com/4hOgC8PkXH— J Shakur (@JShakurB) June 17, 2026
Demands for Investigation
The Songkong Village Authority condemned what it described as a “brutal and inhumane attack” and demanded accountability from the authorities.
In its statement, the UKNA expressed concern over the alleged treatment of the deceased and called for an impartial investigation, citing potential violations of constitutional protections, including the right to equality and the right to life.
Letzamang Haokip, MLA of the 57-Henglep (ST) Assembly Constituency, also issued a statement demanding:
- Immediate recovery and return of the mortal remains to the family;
- A thorough judicial and independent inquiry into the incident;
- Action against any personnel found responsible for wrongdoing; and
- Investigation into allegations of evidence tampering or misrepresentation of facts.
Several Kuki-Zo civil society organizations have similarly appealed to national human rights institutions and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to intervene.
READ: Eastern Flank Accuses NSCN-IM Leaders of Political Compromise
Police Cite Militant Encounter, Recovery of Arms
While community leaders and local organizations have alleged that the deceased was an unarmed civilian, security authorities have presented a different account of the incident.
In a post on X on June 17, Manipur Police stated that it had received information from the Assam Rifles regarding an encounter that took place on June 16 between Molphei and Songkong villages.
According to the police statement, a joint column of the Assam Rifles and the Indian Army engaged suspected militants during the operation. Security forces reported that one suspected militant was killed in the encounter.
The statement further said that an AK-47 rifle, magazines, ammunition, explosives, and other incriminating items were recovered from the site.
“Information was received today from the Assam Rifles that an encounter took place on 16 June 2026 between Molphei and Songkong villages involving a joint column of the Assam Rifles and the Army against suspected militants. During the encounter, one suspected militant was killed. One AK-47 rifle, along with magazines, ammunition, explosives, and other incriminating items, was recovered from the spot,” the police said.
Manipur Police added that a case had been registered in connection with the incident and that further investigation was underway.
Tense Security Environment
The incident comes amid continuing ethnic tensions in Manipur, where violence involving Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities has persisted since 2023. Security operations have intensified in several hill districts in recent months, including deployments of CoBRA units.
Kuki organizations have repeatedly accused security forces of disproportionately targeting civilians during counter-insurgency operations, allegations that authorities have previously denied.
Community leaders have urged authorities to ensure the immediate return of the body for last rites, conduct a transparent post-mortem examination, and establish an independent judicial probe to determine the facts surrounding the operation.
The incident has heightened tensions in the region and intensified demands for accountability. Observers say a credible and impartial investigation will be essential to establish the truth, address public concerns, and prevent further escalation in an already volatile environment.
