Gunfire Returns to Manipur: What Triggered the Deadly Clash Between Assam Rifles & UKNA Militants?

A fierce gunfight broke out between Assam Rifles personnel and suspected militants of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) at Khanpi village in Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Tuesday morning, resulting in the deaths of four insurgents.

According to reports, the incident occurred when the Assam Rifles launched a cordon and search operation around a suspected UKNA camp. As the troops attempted to apprehend the militants, the latter opened fire, prompting the security personnel to retaliate.

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In a press communiqué, the Assam Rifles said that during an intelligence-based operation in the early hours of November 4, suspected militants resorted to unprovoked firing on an Army column at Khanpi village, located about 80 km west of Churachandpur. “In the ensuing firefight between Security Forces and armed cadres of UKNA, a non-SOO insurgent group, four cadres of the terrorist group were neutralised,” the statement added.

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The operation is still underway, with security forces conducting a thorough search of the adjoining areas.

The Assam Rifles further stated that the operation was part of a continued effort to counter UKNA’s recent violent activities, which include the killing of a village chief, intimidation of locals, and attempts to disrupt peace and stability in the region.