Village Chief Allegedly Killed by UKNA Militants in Manipur's Churachandpur

Churachandpur: A 50-year-old village chief was beaten to death in T Khonomphai village, Henglep sub-division of Manipur, allegedly by members of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), district officials said.

The attack occurred in southern Manipur’s Churachandpur district. The deceased, identified as M Haokip, was rushed to the district hospital by locals but succumbed to his injuries en route. His body bore multiple bruises and lacerations, with residents claiming the assailants used sticks and blunt objects.

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Neither the family nor the police have disclosed a motive for the assault, reports stated. An FIR has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

Manipur continues to uphold the hereditary chieftainship system for village governance, despite a 1967 state law intended to abolish it, which remains unimplemented. In contrast, neighbouring Mizoram ended the practice in 1954.

The UKNA operates outside the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, renewed on September 4 for a year by over two dozen Kuki-Zomi-Hmar insurgent groups with the Centre and state government. The pact mandates insurgents to remain in designated camps and store weapons securely.

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Earlier in July 2025, UKNA ambushed and killed the deputy chief of the Kuki National Army (KNA), two KNA militants, and a civilian bystander in Churachandpur, citing revenge for the alleged murder of a UKNA leader and over 30 others by the KNA.

Local sources report escalating rivalry between the UKNA and KNA.

Days before the village chief’s murder, a senior Churachandpur police officer and his family received online threats from unidentified “anti-social elements.” Police have filed a case and launched a probe, stating: “Any attempt to intimidate officers performing their duties will face strict legal action.”