TKS alleges four villagers were abducted during a security operation in Manipur, demands release and inquiry.
DIMAPUR — The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) on Tuesday alleged that four villagers from Sharkarphung (Shikibung) village in Manipur were abducted by a combined team of Indian armed forces during a combing operation on July 14, and demanded their immediate release.
In a statement, the Tangkhul students' body identified the missing villagers as Wungphayo Kasar, Ninglum Shimrah, Yaoreingam Lungleng and Diamond Ramror.
The TKS claimed the four were innocent civilians involved in safeguarding their village amid the prevailing security situation and said their disappearance had created fear and anxiety among residents.
The organisation also alleged that the operation was carried out without prior intimation to the nearest police station and claimed information later issued by the Manipur Police contradicted the version provided by the village authorities.
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Demanding immediate disclosure of the villagers' whereabouts, the TKS called for their safe release if they are in the custody of any security agency, along with a transparent, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the incident.
The students' body also urged the government of Manipur, the government of India and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene, while expressing solidarity with the families of the missing villagers.