Churachandpur, Manipur — November 4, 2025:
In a major anti-insurgency breakthrough, UKNA militants killed in Manipur during a joint operation by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have intensified the state’s crackdown on non-SoO militant groups. The fierce gunfight in Churachandpur district left four United Kuki National Army (UKNA) cadres dead and one captured alive. The search for remaining militants continues in the surrounding forested areas, officials confirmed.
The United Kuki National Army, which is not part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, has long been associated with arms smuggling and extortion networks in the Indo-Myanmar border region. The coordinated action signals a firm message from security forces to insurgent outfits that refuse to join peace talks.
Intelligence Operation Leads to UKNA Militants Killed in Manipur
According to defence sources, troops received credible intelligence about UKNA militants sheltering in a remote village in Henglep subdivision, Churachandpur. Acting swiftly, units from the Assam Rifles and Indian Army surrounded the suspected hideout in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
When challenged, the militants opened fire, triggering an intense gun battle lasting nearly an hour. The soldiers retaliated, leading to four UKNA militants killed in Manipur’s Churachandpur district. One militant was injured and later apprehended.
Security forces recovered a cache of AK-series rifles, grenades, and tactical communication devices. Following the encounter, search operations were extended to nearby villages and forest zones to ensure no militant escaped the cordon.
An Army spokesperson stated, “This precise operation demonstrates our determination to root out non-SoO insurgent elements. Our priority remains restoring peace and safety in Manipur’s hill districts.”
UKNA and the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement
The United Kuki National Army (UKNA) operates mainly in southern Manipur and is one of the few Kuki groups not included in the SoO pact, signed between the Government of India, Manipur government, and 25 Kuki-Zomi groups in 2008. The SoO agreement provides immunity to recognized groups willing to suspend violence and engage in political dialogue.
By remaining outside this peace framework, UKNA has drawn the attention of security agencies for its alleged role in illegal taxation, smuggling, and recruitment of youths.
Defence experts say this latest operation marks an important step in the government’s campaign to dismantle active insurgent outfits operating outside the peace process. It also strengthens the argument for non-SoO groups to consider negotiation over confrontation.
“The message from security forces is clear — join the peace process or face firm military action,” a senior Manipur police official told The Assam Tribune.
Heightened Security in Churachandpur After Operation
Following the encounter, Churachandpur district witnessed increased patrolling, drone surveillance, and vehicle checks. Locals were urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with ongoing search operations.
The district, one of the most sensitive areas in Manipur, has been under heightened watch due to intermittent ethnic tensions and insurgent activity. Authorities are now working to prevent retaliatory violence or the regrouping of surviving militants.
According to reports from NDTV, the operation was one of the most successful in recent months, reflecting an improvement in intelligence sharing between central and state security agencies.
A senior defence official added, “Our operations are precise and intelligence-driven. We aim to neutralize threats while ensuring minimal civilian disturbance.”
Wider Implications for Manipur’s Security
The killing of UKNA militants in Manipur holds broader significance for the state’s counter-insurgency framework. Security analysts note that decisive actions against armed non-SoO groups reduce the risk of renewed violence and open the door for dialogue and reconciliation.
In the past year, several such operations in Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Tengnoupal districts have dismantled smaller militant cells. This indicates a strategic shift from defensive patrolling to proactive engagement against active threats.
Observers believe that neutralizing UKNA cadres will disrupt their supply lines and deter recruitment efforts in vulnerable areas near the Indo-Myanmar border.
Civil Society Urges Calm and Cooperation
Local organizations in Churachandpur have welcomed the operation but emphasized the need for restraint, dialogue, and community cooperation. Several village leaders appealed to youth groups to avoid association with militant outfits and instead engage in peace-building initiatives.
Meanwhile, the captured UKNA militant is undergoing interrogation at a secure facility in Imphal. Authorities hope his statements will shed light on UKNA’s internal structure, arms routes, and external linkages.
An official from the Assam Rifles confirmed that further follow-up operations are planned, with intelligence-based surveillance continuing across Manipur’s hill districts.
Moving Toward Lasting Peace in Manipur
The UKNA militants killed in Manipur mark a significant step in the ongoing efforts to establish peace in the Northeast. While insurgency has declined considerably over the last decade, non-signatory outfits continue to pose localized threats.
The government’s dual approach — firm security action and open dialogue channels — remains crucial for ensuring lasting stability.
Security experts say that combining counter-insurgency precision with political inclusivity could pave the way for permanent peace across the region.
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