Joint Kuki CSOs Henglep Condemn Killing of Villager During Security Operation

The Joint Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Henglep has strongly condemned the killing of Lenminsang Haokip of Songkong Village during a security forces operation conducted on June 16, 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Kuki CSOs alleged that security forces subjected Songkong Village to drone and mortar bombardment during the operation.

According to eyewitness accounts cited by the CSOs, Lenminsang, who reportedly remained at home due to health-related reasons, did not accompany other villagers to their jhum fields on the day of the incident.

The statement claimed that when a drone strike occurred near the village, Lenminsang ran out of his house in search of safety. Eyewitnesses further alleged that security personnel pursued him and subsequently shot him dead.

The CSOs also alleged that security forces took away his body following the incident and that it had not been returned to the family at the time of issuing the statement. During a search carried out by family members and villagers, blood-stained clothing and footwear believed to belong to Lenminsang were reportedly recovered near his residence. The organisations claimed that his shirt bore two holes believed to be consistent with gunshot wounds.

Expressing concern over the removal of the body and clothing, the Joint Kuki CSOs Henglep alleged that the circumstances raised suspicions of a possible staged encounter aimed at portraying an innocent civilian as a militant. The organisation described the incident as a serious abuse of power and a violation of human rights and the rule of law.

Condemning the killing in the strongest terms, the CSOs called upon the security officers involved to take responsibility and provide a full account of the actions carried out during the operation.

The organisations warned that if accountability is not ensured, the people of Henglep and Songkong, along with Kuki civil society groups, would pursue the matter before the highest competent authorities to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable.