Kohima: The Konyak Union (KU) has strongly condemned a joint operation carried out by the 20 Assam Rifles in collaboration with the 166 Territorial Army at Namthai village under Mon district on the midnight of April 22, 2026.

In a statement, the Union alleged that the operation led to the "unwarranted arrest" of Shaopa Konyak, the Village Council Chairman of Namthai, whom it described as an "innocent and responsible public leader committed to the welfare and peaceful coexistence of the village."

The KU termed the arrest a result of "complete intelligence failure and lack of proper verification," adding that any attempt to implicate such a respected individual reflects a serious lapse on the part of the agencies involved.

The Union also questioned the role and accountability of state law enforcement agencies, including the Nagaland Police, as well as the 42nd Assam Rifles stationed in Naginimora and Mon, for their apparent lack of prior knowledge about the operation.

It further raised concerns over the use of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), stating that operations conducted without proper coordination and adherence to legal procedures undermine public trust and raise questions about the effectiveness of security presence in the district.

The KU expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing trust deficit between civilians and security forces, particularly in the Naginimora-Namthai-Tiru-Tizit belt. It warned that such incidents could trigger unrest similar to the Oting incident, in which 14 civilians were killed, an event that continues to be mourned by the Konyak community.

Further, the Union refuted a press statement issued by security forces on April 25, 2026, which claimed the arrest of three cadres of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) (ULFA-I) during a counter-insurgency operation in Mon district.

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