Four Militants Neutralized in Manipur Encounter with Security Forces
Encounter in Churachandpur District
Imphal/Churachandpur, Nov 4: Security forces engaged in a confrontation with militants in Manipur's Churachandpur district, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals associated with a banned group on Tuesday morning.
Acting on intelligence regarding armed members of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), an operation commenced around 5:30 AM in Khanpi village, located within the Henglep sub-division, according to a senior official.
During the operation, a significant gunfight erupted between the army and the militants, as reported by an officer.
"Four militants were confirmed dead during the exchange, while several others escaped the scene," the officer noted, mentioning that the identities of the deceased have yet to be determined.
A statement from the defense indicated that the militants initiated unprovoked gunfire on the army unit during the intelligence-led operation in Khanpi village, approximately 80 kilometers west of Churachandpur.
Reports indicate that the operation is ongoing, with searches being conducted in surrounding areas.
It is important to note that the UKNA is not part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement established between the central government, the state government, and various Kuki and Zomi militant factions.
This incident follows a recent event where suspected UKNA militants allegedly killed the chief of T Khonomphai village near Henglep headquarters.
Unverified reports suggest that later that evening, the alleged attackers sought to negotiate with the victim's family and conducted a ceasefire ritual (Hiemkham) at his home, adhering to tribal customs.
However, this information has not been independently confirmed.
Previously, the UKNA had claimed responsibility for a June 30 ambush that resulted in the deaths of three members of a Kuki militant group under the SoO agreement near Mongjang village, roughly 5 kilometers from the Churachandpur district headquarters.
This attack also led to the death of an elderly woman caught in the crossfire.