At least four cadres of the banned United Kuki National Army (UKNA) killed and one arrested during a fierce encounter with security forces in Manipur ’s Churachandpur district on Tuesday morning. The joint operation carried out by personnel of the 21 Para Special Forces and 36 Assam Rifles, officials confirmed.
According to a statement from the Assam Rifles PRO, the gunfight erupted around 6 AM during an intelligence-based operation at Khanpi village under Henglep sub-division, approximately 80 km west of Churachandpur town.
“During the operation, the militants opened unprovoked fire on the security forces. In retaliation, troops neutralised four armed cadres of the UKNA, a non-SoO (Suspension of Operation) insurgent group,” the statement said.
Officials added that the operation was still underway, with search operations continuing in nearby areas. They said the mission launched following reports of recent atrocities by UKNA militants, including the murder of a village chief, intimidation of locals, and attempts to disrupt peace in the region.
Unofficial sources indicated that three Assam Rifles personnel sustained injuries during the firefight, though this has not officially confirmed. The bodies of the slain militants later airlifted to Churachandpur District Hospital for post-mortem.
A statement from the Assam Rifles noted that the “successful neutralisation of these terrorists underscores the Indian Army and Assam Rifles’ unwavering commitment to safeguard civilians and ensure lasting peace in Manipur.”
The operation comes shortly after the October 27 killing of the T Khonomphai village chief, allegedly by UKNA cadres. The victim succumbed to injuries while being taken to Churachandpur Hospital.
The UKNA’s Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement revoked by the Manipur government in 2023 due to its alleged role in the ongoing ethnic unrest. The outfit had earlier claimed responsibility for a June 30 ambush that killed three members of another Kuki group near Mongjang village.
Since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, over 260 people have killed and more than 60,000 displaced. The state remains under President’s Rule, with authorities aiming to complete the rehabilitation of displaced families by December.
