Unconfirmed report reaching here said that, Thangboi Haokip alias Thahpi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Kuki National Organisation/Kuki National Army (KNO/KNA), was reportedly killed in an ambush along the Jesami Road. The incident reportedly took place between Mongjang in Churachandpur district and Singlun, where unidentified assailants opened fire on the convoy, killing Thangboi and two of his bodyguards.
According to sources, the ambush occurred while the KNO/KNA leader was on the move through the volatile region. Thangboi Haokip, known by his code name “Thahpi”, served as the second-in-command of the KNA, a constituent group of the KNO, which is currently under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Government of India. The two bodyguards accompanying him were also killed on the spot during the attack. Another woman, reportedly travelling with the group, is said to have also been killed in the assault.
While there is no official confirmation yet on who was responsible for the ambush, the area has seen rising tensions and rival factional activity in recent weeks. Sources indicate that the attackers may have taken advantage of the terrain and movement pattern of the convoy, suggesting prior surveillance.
Visuals from the site suggest that the assailants fled after the ambush. In the aftermath, local organisations and sympathisers of the deceased leader have begun mourning his death, with tributes pouring in on social media platforms.
Security forces have reportedly rushed to the area to assess the situation and prevent any further escalation. No statement has been issued yet by KNO/KNA or state authorities at the time of filing this report.
The killing of a high-ranking leader like Thangboi Haokip is likely to have serious ramifications in the region, especially given the fragile peace being maintained under the SoO framework.