Security Forces Kill Two UKNA Militants, Injure Two More After Firefight in Churachandpur's Phaibong Village Two militants of the United Kuki National Army were killed and two others injured in a firefight with the Indian Army and Assam Rifles during a joint operation in Churachandpur's Phaibong village, with a large cache of arms and ammunition recovered from the site. 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. What this means for you For readers outside Manipur, this operation is a reminder that counter-insurgency action continues in the state even as peace talks with several armed groups move forward. • Across India: The operation shows security forces are still actively targeting groups that have stayed outside the SoO framework. This shapes how the Centre balances peace talks with continued combat operations in the Northeast. • In Churachandpur: Residents of Henglep subdivision and nearby villages should expect continued search operations in surrounding jungle areas in the coming days. People travelling through or living near Phaibong village may face movement restrictions or increased checking by security personnel. • For local Kuki-Zomi groups: Because UKNA is not part of the SoO agreement, its camps remain exposed to direct raids, which could affect how other non-signatory groups operating in the same districts plan their movements and camps. Questions & Answers 1. How many UKNA militants were killed in the Churachandpur operation? Two UKNA cadres were killed and two others were injured. 2. Where did the encounter take place? It took place in Phaibong village under Henglep subdivision of Churachandpur district in Manipur. 3. When did the operation happen? Surveillance began on the night of August 29, while the tactical phase and firefight took place on the morning of September 2, around 5 am and 5.30 am respectively. 4. What weapons were recovered from the camp? Two MA rifles, an AK-56 rifle, a lathode gun, seven lathod grenades, 15 AK magazines, 371 AK-56 rounds, 601 MA rifle rounds, 172 SLR rounds, along with 15 combat uniforms and seven ammunition pouches. 5. Is UKNA part of the SoO peace agreement? No, UKNA is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations agreement between the Centre, the Manipur government and several Kuki and Zomi armed groups. 6. Are security operations still continuing in the area? Yes, the Assam Rifles said search operations are ongoing in the jungle areas surrounding the encounter site. https://trendkia.com/en/manipur/churachandpur-men-muthabhera-sena-aura-assam-rifles-ne-mara-girae-ukna-ke-do-ugravadi-do-ghayala-28533 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.