A firefight between security forces and militants in Manipur's Churachandpur district has left two cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) dead and two others wounded, officials said. The clash broke out during a joint operation carried out by the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles at a suspected militant camp in Phaibong village.
How the Operation Was Planned and Executed
Officials said the operation was launched after intelligence inputs confirmed the presence of UKNA cadres at a camp in Phaibong village under Henglep subdivision of Churachandpur district. Security forces reportedly began quietly watching the suspected hideout from the night of August 29, gathering details before moving in. The Assam Rifles said on X that the joint operation was launched based on specific intelligence input on the night of 29 August 2026 in Phaibong village, Henglep Sub-Division, Churachandpur. The operation then shifted into its active, tactical phase around 5 am on September 2, when troops began advancing toward the camp. Around 5.30 am, the militants allegedly opened indiscriminate fire on the approaching soldiers, prompting security personnel to respond with controlled fire of their own. In the exchange that followed, the Assam Rifles later confirmed through intelligence inputs that two UKNA cadres had been killed and two more injured.
Weapons Cache Recovered From the Camp
When troops searched the camp after the encounter, they recovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition. This included two MA rifles, one AK-56 rifle, a lathode gun and seven lathod grenades. Also seized were 15 AK magazines, 371 rounds for the AK-56, 601 rounds for the MA rifle and 172 SLR rounds. Along with the arms, security personnel found 15 combat uniforms and seven ammunition pouches, suggesting the cadre operating from the camp was fairly well equipped.
Why UKNA Was a Target
The UKNA is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed between the central government, the Manipur government and several Kuki and Zomi armed groups. Because it remains outside that arrangement, its cadres and camps stay open to direct action by security forces, unlike groups bound by the truce.
Search Operations Continue
The Assam Rifles said security forces have continued combing the jungle areas surrounding the site of the encounter, in an effort to track down any remaining cadres or hidden caches in the vicinity.
