Early this morning, a heavy exchange of fire took place between security forces and cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) at Khanpi village, about 80 km west of Churachandpur district headquarters.
Sources said the gunbattle erupted when a group of heavily armed UKNA militants opened fire on a column of Indian Army personnel who were entering the village. Troops then retaliated, killing four UKNA cadres. UKNA is a non-SoO (Suspension of Operation) militant outfit active in the region.
According to an Army official, the situation was later brought under control, though a search operation in the adjoining areas is still underway.
The ongoing operation comes on the heels of a series of recent incidents blamed on UKNA that include the killing of a village chief, intimidation of locals, and an attempt to disrupt peace and stability. The successful neutralisation of militants, officials said, underlines the Indian Army and Assam Rifles’ commitment to safeguarding civilians and restoring peace in Manipur.