Ukhrul, November 4: At least four militants of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), a banned militant outfit not part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) Agreement between the Government of India, Manipur government and 24 Kuki-Zomi insurgent groups, were killed in an encounter with security forces near Khanpi village in Churachandpur district, Manipur on Tuesday morning, according to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry.
“In the early hours of November 4, 2025, during an intelligence based operation, terrorists resorted to unprovoked firing on an army column at Khanpi village, approximately 80 km West of Churachandpur, Manipur. In the ensuing firefight between security forces and armed cadres of UKNA, a non-SoO insurgent group, 4 cadres of the terrorist group were neutralised.” the statement read.
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The operation follows recent atrocities by UKNA cadres, including killing of a village chief, intimidation of locals and attempts to disrupt peace and stability in the region.
Per reports, around 17 cadres of the outfit were holed up in a house in Khanpi village under Henglep subdivision . During the incident, one cadre was captured by the security forces while others managed to escape and four of them were killed. The bodies were later airlifted to the district hospital, the reports added.
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“Successful neutralisation of these terrorists highlights the Indian Army and Assam Rifles’ commitment to protecting innocent civilians, mitigating all threats and ensuring peace and security in Manipur,” the statement added.
Total shutdown in Churachandpur
The Kuki Civil Societies of Churachandpur — comprising the Kuki Inpi Churachandpur (KIC), Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi (KKL), and Kuki Students’ Organisation Churachandpur (KSO) — has called for a total shutdown in Churachandpur district and appealed to the general public to observe district-wide mourning on the day of the funeral of the four late UKNA cadres.
Condemning the killing of the four UKNA cadres, the Kuki Civil Societies of Churachandpur appealed to both the government security agencies and all insurgent and volunteer groups to refrain from further bloodshed and to seek peaceful means to resolve differences, so that peace and harmony may prevail in the region.
“We condemn all forms of violence and bloodshed and urge the Government of India to urgently work towards a political solution in the form of a Separate Administration, as the only viable means to restore lasting peace and normalcy in our land,” the Kuki Civil Societies of Churachandpur stated.
“In honour of the departed, the Kuki Civil Societies call for a total shutdown in Churachandpur District and appeal to the general public to observe district-wide mourning on the day of the funeral of the four late UKNA cadres,” it added.