Op Khanpi: 4 Kuki militants killed in gunfight with security forces in Manipur

Four militants belonging to the proscribed United Kuki National Army (UKNA) were killed in an encounter with security forces during an intelligence-based operation in Manipur's Khanpi village, in the early hours of Monday.

According to defence sources, troops of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles launched Operation Khanpi around 5.30 am after receiving credible inputs about the presence of armed cadres of the UKNA, a non-Suspension of Operations (non-SOO) insurgent group, in the area.

As the security column approached the location, the militants opened unprovoked fire, prompting the troops to retaliate. A fierce firefight ensued, in which four UKNA cadres were neutralised, while several others reportedly managed to flee into nearby forested areas.

OPERATION STILL IN PROGRESS

A cordon and search operation is continuing in and around Khanpi village, located about 80 km west of Churachandpur, to ensure that no remaining militants escape.

A defence statement confirmed that in the early hours of November 4, militants "resorted to unprovoked firing on the Army column during an intelligence-based operation," leading to the neutralisation of four armed cadres.

UKNA’S VIOLENT ACTIVITIES

The UKNA, which is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact signed between the Centre, the Manipur government, and Kuki-Zomi insurgent groups, has been involved in a series of violent incidents in recent weeks. These include the killing of a village chief, intimidation of civilians, and attempts to disrupt peace and stability in the region.

Officials said the latest operation was launched to counter the group’s growing activities and prevent further attacks on local communities.

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With inputs from agencies