Clashes in Manipur: Four Suspected Militants Killed in Gunfight
Fatal Encounter in Churachandpur District
On Tuesday morning, security forces engaged in a gunfight with four suspected members of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) at Khanpi village in the Churachandpur district of Manipur, as reported by a senior police official and an Army officer.
The UKNA is an armed faction of the Kuki community that has not signed the Suspension of Operations agreement.
This agreement is a tripartite arrangement involving the Union government, the Manipur government, and two armed group coalitions, namely the Kuki National Organisation and the United Peoples’ Front. Although the agreement expired in February 2024, it was renewed on September 3.
Since May 2023, Manipur has been plagued by ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities, resulting in over 260 fatalities and displacing more than 59,000 individuals. Violence has seen periodic surges into 2024.
In February, President’s Rule was enacted following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
During a recent intelligence-led operation, militants opened fire on an Army unit in Khanpi, prompting a retaliatory gunfight, according to an Army statement.
The operation is ongoing, with searches being conducted in nearby areas.
The Army noted that this operation was initiated in response to recent violent acts by UKNA members, including the murder of a village chief and intimidation of local residents, which threaten regional peace.
In a statement, the UKNA contended that its members were asleep during the operation and claimed they pose no threat to society or the Army, reiterating their demand for a separate administrative region from Manipur. They stated they would consider surrendering once their demands are addressed.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur, the leading organization of the Kuki tribes, expressed deep sorrow and anger over the incident, stating that such targeted actions against their community severely undermine trust and threaten peace efforts. They called on authorities to act with sensitivity and impartiality.
Previously, members of the UKNA have been associated with various violent incidents in Churachandpur district. In late October, a village chief was reportedly killed by armed individuals linked to the group. Additionally, in June, an ambush attributed to the UKNA resulted in the deaths of at least four people, including a leader from the Kuki National Organisation and an elderly woman.