Security forces neutralized four militants of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) in an early morning encounter at Khanpi village, under Henglep subdivision in Churachandpur district, Manipur, on Tuesday. The operation was triggered when the insurgents initiated unprovoked firing on an Army column patrolling approximately 80 km west of Churachandpur. The Defence Ministry confirmed the militants were armed cadres of UKNA, a group not part of the Suspension of Operations (SOO) agreement.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, all four UKNA members were killed, effectively thwarting their immediate threat to regional stability. The ministry described the action as a precise response to escalating aggression by the outfit, which has been linked to recent violent incidents. Authorities recovered weapons and ammunition from the site, further validating the preemptive nature of the security intervention.

The operation follows a series of UKNA-orchestrated atrocities, including the murder of a village chief and systematic intimidation of local residents aimed at undermining peace efforts. These acts had heightened tensions in Churachandpur, where UKNA maintains its primary operational base. The encounter underscores the persistent challenge posed by non-SOO insurgent factions in the state.

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The Defence Ministry commended the Indian Army and Assam Rifles for their vigilance and swift action in safeguarding civilian lives. “This successful neutralization demonstrates unwavering commitment to countering terrorism and restoring normalcy,” the statement read. Security deployments have been reinforced in vulnerable areas to prevent retaliatory actions.

The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in Manipur, where ethnic and insurgent dynamics continue to strain governance and public safety. While the elimination of these four militants marks a tactical victory, broader reconciliation and enforcement of peace agreements remain critical to long-term stability in the region.

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