Manipur encounter: Four UKNA terrorists killed by security forces in Khanpi village operation

In a major counter-insurgency success, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles neutralised four UKNA terrorists in Manipur’s Churachandpur district

PGurus Newsdesk

November 4, 2025

Security forces eliminate UKNA cadres, operation continues in Churachandpur

Assam Rifles, Army neutralise UKNA cadres after gunfight in Manipur’s Khanpi village

Four terrorists of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) were shot dead in an early morning encounter with security forces near Khanpi village, about 80 km from Manipur’s Churachandpur district, a defence spokesperson said on Monday.

The operation, led by the Assam Rifles and the Indian Army, was based on intelligence inputs about the presence of armed UKNA cadres in the region. Searches are underway in nearby areas to track down the remaining insurgents, the spokesperson added.

The UKNA is not part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement recently renewed between the Centre, the Manipur government, and 24 insurgent groups belonging to the Kuki, Zomi, and Hmar tribes. Under the SoO terms, signatory groups must stay in designated camps and keep their weapons secured in monitored storage.

“In the early hours, during an intelligence-based operation, terrorists resorted to unprovoked firing on an Army column at Khanpi village. In the ensuing firefight, four cadres of the non-SoO group UKNA were neutralised,” the spokesperson said.

Assam Rifles operation follows recent UKNA violence

The Assam Rifles – Sentinels of the North East – launched the operation following a series of violent incidents attributed to the UKNA, including the killing of a village chief, intimidation of locals, and attempts to destabilise peace in the region.

Sources said that around 17 UKNA cadres were holed up in a house in Khanpi village. Four were killed, one captured, while others managed to escape. The bodies were later airlifted to the district hospital by helicopter.

“The successful neutralisation of these terrorists underscores the commitment of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles to protecting civilians and ensuring peace in Manipur,” the spokesperson added.

UKNA’s violent record and previous operations

In July, the UKNA claimed responsibility for the killing of Kuki National Army (KNA) deputy chief Thenkhothang Haokip alias Thahpi (48) and two other KNA members. The ambush also claimed the life of a 72-year-old woman bystander.

The KNA is a signatory to the SoO agreement, unlike the UKNA. Earlier this year, on March 8, the Assam Rifles destroyed a UKNA camp in Henglep village, which had been hidden in a nearby forest.

The Assam Rifles also carried out a successful drone strike on October 21 in Arunachal Pradesh’s Namsai district, killing an ULFA(I) terrorist and seizing weapons and supplies.

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