Four UKNA militants killed, one arrested in major Churachandpur encounter

In a major counter-insurgency operation, at least four cadres of the banned United Kuki National Army (UKNA) were killed and one was arrested during a fierce gunfight in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Tuesday. The encounter took place in Khanpi village under Henglep sub-division, around 80 kilometers west of Churachandpur town, involving troops from the 21 Para Special Forces and the 36 Assam Rifles.

According to the Assam Rifles PRO, the security forces launched an intelligence-based operation at around 6 a.m. after receiving specific inputs about the presence of UKNA militants in the area. “During the operation, the militant group resorted to unprovoked firing on the security forces. In the ensuing exchange of fire, four cadres of the terrorist organisation were neutralised,” the statement said. The UKNA is a non-Suspension of Operation (non-SoO) insurgent group, meaning it is not part of any ceasefire agreement with the government.

Officials confirmed that the operation was still underway, with search and sanitization operations continuing in adjoining areas to track any remaining insurgents. Security forces said the operation followed a series of violent incidents by UKNA cadres in recent weeks, including the killing of a village chief, intimidation of locals, and attempts to destabilize the fragile peace in the region.

Unofficial sources indicated that at least three Assam Rifles personnel were injured in the exchange, though the military has yet to issue an official confirmation. The bodies of the four slain militants were recovered and later sent to Churachandpur district hospital for postmortem examination.

The latest encounter comes just days after the brutal assault and subsequent death of the village chief of T Khonomphai in Henglep subdivision on October 27. The attack was allegedly carried out by UKNA members, and the victim succumbed to his injuries while being taken to Churachandpur hospital.

The UKNA had its Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement revoked by the Manipur government in 2023 due to its alleged role in the ongoing ethnic violence in the state. Earlier, the group had claimed responsibility for a deadly ambush on June 30 that killed three members of another Kuki faction near Mongjang village, about five kilometers from Churachandpur.

A statement issued by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles emphasized their continued commitment to safeguarding civilians and restoring normalcy. “The successful neutralisation of these terrorists highlights the dedication of our forces to ensure peace and security in Manipur,” the note read.

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The northeastern state remains under President’s Rule following the ethnic clashes that began on May 3, 2023, which have so far claimed around 260 lives and displaced over 60,000 people. Authorities have announced plans to complete the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons by December this year.