Army, Assam Rifles Neutralise 4 UKNA Militants, Non-SOO Insurgent Group, In Manipur

In a significant counter-insurgency operation, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles on Tuesday morning (November 4, 2025) neutralised four militants belonging to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) in Manipur’s Churachandpur district. The encounter took place at Khanpi village near Churachandpur.

The operation started after UKNA militants opened unprovoked fire on security personnel. In the ensuing exchange, all four assailants were killed. The UKNA is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed between the Centre, the Manipur government, and two umbrella groups representing Kuki militant outfits.

News reports cited officials as saying that the operation was launched following recent atrocities by UKNA cadres, which included the murder of a village chief, threats to local residents, and attempts to destabilise the fragile peace in the region. “The successful neutralisation of these terrorists underscores the Army and Assam Rifles’ commitment to safeguarding civilians and restoring order in Manipur,” a paramilitary official stated.

Tensions still persist in Manipur?

Notably, the joint operation comes nearly two months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur in mid-September. This was PM Modi’s first visit to the state since ethnic violence broke out two years ago.

The encounter highlights the government’s renewed push to assert control and rebuild confidence in a state still reeling from ethnic clashes and insurgent activity. 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.

The operation also led to the recovery of 4 weapons including one AK-56, one MA4 MK II rifle, ammunition, and other warlike stores. A UKNA camp was also destroyed with additional arms and equipment recovered.

Officials say enhanced vigilance and coordinated intelligence operations have been ordered in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Imphal West districts.

The UKNA, a non-SoO insurgent outfit, has long been associated with targeted killings, extortion, and ambushes in Manipur’s hill districts. In June this year, the group was allegedly involved in an ambush that killed four people, including an elderly woman and a leader from a Kuki group under SoO.

Security agencies believe UKNA’s recent resurgence threatens ongoing peace efforts, prompting the government to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards groups that remain outside the ceasefire framework.