Correspondent
IMPHAL, JUN 17: Security forces in restive Manipur intensified ongoing cordon and search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas, killing a suspected militant and recovering arms and explosives, the police said on Wednesday.
The suspected militant was killed in an encounter with a joint team of the Assam Rifles and the Army in a forested area that lies between Molphei and Songkong villages under Henglep sub-division of hill district of Churachandpur late Tuesday, police said.
One AK-47 rifle, along with magazines, ammunition, explosives, and other incriminating items were recovered from the spot where the encounter took place, the police added.
A case has been registered in this connection, and further investigation is in progress, the police said.
Though police are yet to establish the details of the slain suspected militant, various sources identified him as Lenminsang, son of Lenkhogin Haokpi of Kolchung village.
Confirming the identity of the slain man, circle MLA (of Henglep AC) Letzamang Haokip, in a condemnation note, alleged that the “civilian” was killed in a “fake encounter”
“I strongly and unequivocally condemn the shocking killing of Lenminsang, S/o Lenkhogin Haokpi, at the hands of joint forces at North Songkong village, Henglep subdivision,” the MLA said in a statement on Wednesday.
The ruling BJP legislator described the incident as “shocking and deeply disturbing,” stating that the death of a civilian at the hands of forces entrusted with protecting citizens raises serious concerns and undermines public trust.
Haokip, quoting eyewitnesses, alleged that after Lenminsang was shot, his clothes were removed and his body was taken away by the security forces.
He further noted allegations that attempts were subsequently made to portray the incident as a fake 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,” the MLA stated, calling for an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Womenfolk across the Henglep subdivision reportedly held protests while claiming that the killed person was a civilian.
Meanwhile, the police said that the security forces have intensified their cordon and search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas.
In an official statement, the state police said “In a coordinated effort, combined security forces in large numbers are conducting cordon and search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Thoubal districts.”
“Strict security measures have been taken up,” it added, while informing that nakas/checkpoints have been installed in different locations and massive combing operations were on.
“DGP is personally overseeing operations in areas where there has been a spurt of killings and armed activities between communities in recent weeks,” the police added.
The police, in another statement, said that an old video from a foreign country showing the brutal dismemberment of several individuals was being circulated on social media with the false claim that it depicts a recent incident in Manipur.
“Verification has confirmed that the video is from outside India and has been circulating online since 2021,” the police clarified, and advised the public not to share, forward, or amplify such misleading content.
“The deliberate dissemination of false and provocative material will invite strict legal action under the relevant provisions of law,” it added.