News Brief
Security Forces Tighten Grip In Unrest-Hit Manipur, Neutralise Four United Kuki National Army Militants
Security forces in insurgency hit areas of northeaster India. (Representative Image)
Central security forces gunned down four cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) during an early morning counterinsurgency operation in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Tuesday (4 November), the Indian Express reported.
An Assam Rifles officer confirmed that the encounter took place during an intelligence-based operation in Khanpi village, around 80 km west of Churachandpur.
During the operation, militants opened unprovoked fire on security forces, prompting retaliatory action by the security forces. In the exchange, four armed cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) were killed.
The official added that the operation is still in progress, with security personnel conducting searches in the adjoining areas to trace remaining militants.
According to the Defence Ministry, the UKNA is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed between several Kuki militant groups and the Government of India.
“This operation follows recent atrocities by UKNA cadres, including the killing of a village chief, intimidation of locals and attempts to disrupt peace and stability in the region. Successful neutralisation of these terrorists highlights the Indian Army and Assam Rifles’ commitment to protecting innocent civilians, mitigating all threats and ensuring peace and security in Manipur,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.
The encounter comes amid a renewed surge in militant activity in the hill districts of Manipur.
Earlier in June, four people, including an elderly woman, were killed in an ambush in the district, reportedly carried out by the same outfit.
Manipur continues to face a volatile law and order situation marked by sporadic clashes, militant violence, and deep ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Despite the deployment of additional central forces and the enforcement of curfews in sensitive areas, incidents of targeted attacks, extortion, and arms recoveries reportedly persist across hill and valley districts.
President’s Rule is currently in force in Manipur, having first been imposed on 13 February 2025, amid continuing ethnic unrest and the breakdown of law and order in the state.
