Four Members of Armed UKNA Group Killed in Encounter
New Delhi: Four members of the armed group United Kuki National Army were killed in an encounter with security forces in Churachandpur district of Manipur on the morning of November 4, reports say.
The UKNA is an insurgent group and is not a part of the 25 outfits who have signed the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement with the Union government. It is mostly active in the Churachandpur area.
A statement by the defence ministry said that the members of the UKNA "resorted to unprovoked firing on an Army column at Khanpi village, approximately 80 km west of Churachandpur, Manipur."
In the "ensuing firefight," four members were killed, it added.
The statement said that the operation follows "recent atrocities by UKNA cadres, including the killing of a village chief, intimidation of locals, and attempts to disrupt peace and stability in the region."
"Successful neutralisation of these terrorists highlights the Indian Army and Assam Rifles’ commitment to protecting innocent civilians, mitigating all threats and ensuring peace and security in Manipur,” the statement said.
A report noted that a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of several foreign-made arms, including a 7.62 mm self-loading rifle, an AK-56, an MA4 MK II rifle, and an under-barrel grenade launcher. Authorities also seized magazines, ammunition, bulletproof jackets, tactical vests, Motorola communication sets, and other warlike equipment.
The killings have led to condemnation from several Kuki civil organisations, including the Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, Kuki Chiefs Association, Kuki Women’s Union, and Kuki Students’ Organisation.
The groups called the incident a "grave injustice" and reports say, they have given a call for a district-wise shutdown of Churachandpur for a day.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki community, said the encounter caused “profound pain and outrage among the Kuki-Zo community," according to The Hindu.
It has been over two years that ethnic violence has killed close to 200 people and left Manipur a deeply divided state. It is currently under the President's Rule.
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