Security forces in Manipur’s Churachandpur district killed four members of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) after a tense shoot‑out in the Khanpi‑Henglep area. The encounter took place Tuesday morning and was the result of intelligence that pointed to a heavily‑armed UKNA group operating in the region.
After the firefight, soldiers searched the scene and recovered a cache of foreign‑made weapons. Among the items seized were a 7.62‑mm self‑loading rifle, an AK‑56, an MA4 MK II rifle, an under‑barrel grenade launcher with magazines, three single‑barrel rifles, large quantities of ammo, bulletproof jackets, tactical vests, and several Motorola communication sets. The equipment shows the group’s capacity to launch coordinated attacks on civilians and security officials.
The operation was launched in response to a surge of UKNA violence. Local leaders have warned that the militants have been murdering village chiefs, threatening schools and banks, and demanding ransoms that range from Rs 5 lakhs up to Rs 50 lakhs. Unlike many other Kuki and Zomi groups that signed a cease‑fire agreement in 2008, the UKNA has refused to join the “Suspension of Operations” (SoO) and continues to operate as a banned insurgent outfit.
During the early‑morning raid, soldiers spotted the insurgents moving through the hills. When the UKNA cadres opened fire, three security personnel were hit. A rapid exchange of fire resulted in the killing of all four militants. A separate search team later found and destroyed a UKNA base, taking possession of more weapons and communication gear.
The military and police officials say the operation demonstrates a steadfast commitment to protecting civilians and restoring peace in Manipur. They urge the public to report any suspicious activity related to militant groups.
Separately, a fratricidal clash between the UKNA and the Chin Kuki Mizo Army (CKMA) occurred on July 22 in Noney district. The battle, fought in the remote Daveijang jungle near Longpi village, left at least five CKMA cadres dead. The struggle appears to stem from internal leadership disputes. The UKNA claimed responsibility for the attack, further highlighting tensions among insurgent groups in the region.
The latest assault on the UKNA is part of a broader security push to curb insurgent violence and safeguard the state’s fragile security. The government remains determined to press these outlawed groups into the 2008 cease‑fire framework or dismantle them.
Source: ianslive
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