Army Kills Four Kuki Militants in Churachandpur Operation
In a major counter-insurgency success, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles killed four Kuki insurgents belonging to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) during an intelligence-based operation in Manipur’s Churachandpur district. The encounter took place in the early hours of November 4 in Khanpi village, located around 80 kilometres west of Churachandpur town.
According to defence sources, the operation was launched after credible intelligence inputs revealed the presence of UKNA militants, a group not under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. The militants reportedly opened unprovoked fire on an Army column, triggering a fierce gunfight.
“The troops responded immediately, leading to the neutralisation of four armed cadres,” a defence official said. The forces later recovered weapons and ammunition from the site.
Intelligence-Based Strike Aims to Restore Stability
Sources said the operation was part of a broader effort to curb violent activities by non-SoO groups operating in the hills of Manipur. The United Kuki National Army, active in the border areas near Myanmar, has been involved in a series of violent incidents in recent months.
According to officials, the Army had been tracking the group’s movement following reports of recent atrocities in the region. These included the killing of a village chief, intimidation of local residents, and efforts to destabilise peace in Churachandpur and adjoining districts.
“The action underscores the Indian Army’s resolve to protect civilians and prevent further unrest,” said an officer familiar with the operation.
Local residents of Khanpi reported hearing heavy gunfire early in the morning as troops surrounded the village. The firefight reportedly lasted several minutes before the situation was brought under control.
Ongoing Search Operations in Manipur Hills
Security forces have since launched area domination and search operations in neighbouring villages to ensure no militants escape the cordon. Officials said additional forces have been deployed to prevent retaliation or regrouping by insurgent factions in the area.
Defence spokespersons noted that the joint operation between the Indian Army and Assam Rifles reflects their continued coordination to counter insurgent threats. The Assam Rifles, which has been leading anti-insurgency efforts in the Northeast, remains instrumental in tracking cross-border movements of armed groups.
The UKNA has been one of several outfits that declined to join the SoO agreement signed between the Indian government and various Kuki groups. While SoO groups are required to suspend hostilities, non-SoO factions continue to engage in violence, posing a challenge to the fragile peace process in the state.
Army Reaffirms Commitment to Peace in Manipur
Following the encounter, the Army released a statement reiterating its commitment to peace and civilian safety in Manipur. “The Indian Army and Assam Rifles will continue to act decisively against groups threatening the peace and stability of the region,” it said.
Officials also stated that the latest operation sends a strong signal to non-SoO groups that violence and intimidation will not be tolerated. The recovery of arms and other materials from the slain militants is expected to provide valuable leads for further investigations.
Manipur, which has witnessed recurring ethnic and insurgent tensions, remains under heightened security surveillance. The recent success in Churachandpur marks a significant achievement in the Army’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the state’s hill districts.
Local police units are coordinating with the Army to verify the identities of the deceased militants and trace their network. As of now, no casualties have been reported among the security personnel involved in the operation.