Village Chief killed in suspected UKNA attack in Churachandpur

A village chief in Manipur’s Churachandpur district was allegedly assaulted to death by unidentified miscreants suspected to be cadres of the banned underground outfit United Kuki National Army (UKNA), officials said on Tuesday.
The victim, identified as Mangthang Haokip, chief of T Khonomphai village in Henglep sub-division, was reportedly attacked around 4:30 pm on Monday. Owing to the remoteness of the area, villagers attempted to carry him to Churachandpur District Hospital for treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries on reaching Khaopijang village, en route to the hospital, an official said.
Police have registered a case at Henglep Police Station, and an investigation is underway. The body of the deceased was later handed over to the villagers after completion of formalities.
The Henglep Headquarter Area Chief Association (HACA) strongly condemned the killing in a statement issued on Tuesday, urging authorities to take swift action against the perpetrators.
The UKNA had earlier claimed responsibility for an ambush on June 30 that killed three members of a Kuki militant group under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) pact near Mongjang village, about 5 km from Churachandpur district headquarters. The attack had also resulted in the death of an elderly woman caught in the crossfire.