Groups allege June 16 killing of Songkong villager was extrajudicial, cite concerns over evidence handling at Hengkot checkpost; demand time-bound inquiry
By Lulun Haokip, Kukiland Express
Songpi, June 18, 2026: Kuki Civil Society Organisations of Churachandpur district on June 18 rejected Central Security Forces’ claim that Lenminsang of Songkong village, Henglep subdivision, was killed in an encounter, according to a joint statement. The groups — Kuki Inpi, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, Kuki Students’ Organisation, Kuki Chiefs’ Association, Kuki Women Union, and Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights — termed the encounter claim “a deliberate attempt to distort facts” and “a grave injustice.”
According to the CSOs, Lenminsang had stayed home ill on June 16 while other villagers went to their jhum fields. The organisations alleged that security forces launched an operation in the area that day, reportedly involving drone strikes or mortar shelling that caused panic. Citing eyewitness accounts, they claimed Lenminsang fled his house during the bombardment and was shot at close range near his residence.
The CSOs further alleged that when villagers later returned to the area, they found blood-stained clothing at the scene. They accused security personnel of altering the scene and dressing the deceased in combat attire to portray him as a militant. “The whole incident points to a cold-blooded extrajudicial killing followed by an apparent attempt to fabricate evidence,” the statement said.
In the statement, the organisations demanded an immediate, independent, impartial, and time-bound investigation into the incident. They called for the identification, suspension, and prosecution of all personnel allegedly involved, irrespective of rank, and sought full public disclosure of the findings to ensure transparency and accountability.
Warning against what they described as the continued targeting and misrepresentation of innocent civilians, the CSOs said the Kuki community would not remain silent if justice was denied. The statement also urged Central Security Forces to cease any form of extrajudicial conduct, cautioning that actions reflecting excessive use of force, bias, or illegality would further deepen mistrust between the community and the security establishment.
The Kuki community in Manipur has faced prolonged instability over the past year amid the wider ethnic conflict in the state. Kuki groups have cited hardship at the hands of Meitei organisations, NSCN-IM militants, and security forces, along with the denial of their demand for separate administration. Large-scale displacement, destruction of villages, and loss of livelihoods have been reported across hill districts. Access to essential services and safe movement continues to be a challenge for civilians in affected areas.
