Imphal, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News) Two militants of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) were killed and two others injured in an exchange of fire with security forces during an intelligence-based operation in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, officials said on Sunday.
The Indian Army and Assam Rifles launched a joint operation after receiving specific intelligence about the presence of UKNA cadres at Phaibong village under Henglep sub-division.
According to officials, the forces established surveillance around a UKNA camp and began a tactical operation to close in on the location. The militants allegedly opened indiscriminate fire, prompting the troops to retaliate with controlled fire.
“Two UKNA cadres neutralised and two injured in the firing,” an official said.
A subsequent search of the camp led to the recovery of two foreign-made MA rifles (5.56 mm), an AK-56 rifle (7.62 mm), a 40 mm Lathode gun, seven Lathode grenades, 15 AK magazines, 371 AK-56 rounds, 601 MA rifle rounds and 172 SLR rounds. Security forces also recovered combat uniforms, ammunition pouches, backpacks, combat bags and jungle shoes.
Combing operations were continuing in the surrounding forested areas.
In a separate operation in Jiribam district, formations under the Spear Corps, working with Manipur Police, recovered three IEDs weighing around 20 kg from a jungle area between Leishabithol and Ahamadabad, near southern Assam. The explosives were safely destroyed through controlled demolition, officials said.
The UKNA, a Hmar tribal militant outfit, is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Centre, Manipur government and several Kuki and Zomi armed groups.
The development comes days after security forces arrested the self-styled chief of the banned UKNA, identified as R.C. Singson, from Old Gelmol village in Churachandpur district. Acting on information provided during interrogation, forces recovered an AK-47 rifle, a 9 mm pistol, three IEDs and two Baofeng radio communication sets from forested areas of Thingchawm village.
At present, 23 underground groups under the United People’s Front and Kuki National Organisation remain under the SoO arrangement with the Government of India.
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