Imphal: At least two militants of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) were killed and two others injured in a gun battle with security forces during an intelligence-based operation in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, officials said on Sunday.

The operation was launched jointly by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants at Phaibong village under Henglep sub-division in the mountainous district.

UKNA Camp Targeted in Churachandpur

According to officials, the security forces established surveillance over a UKNA camp and began a tactical closing operation. The UKNA cadres allegedly opened indiscriminate fire, following which the troops retaliated with controlled fire.

An official said two UKNA cadres were neutralised and two others were injured in the firing.

A search of the camp led to the recovery of a cache of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment, including two foreign-made MA rifles, one AK-56 rifle and one Lathode gun, along with grenades, magazines, ammunition, combat uniforms, ammunition pouches and backpacks.

Combing operations are continuing in the surrounding jungle areas.

Three IEDs Recovered in Separate Operation

In a separate operation, security forces recovered three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) weighing approximately 20 kg from a jungle area between Leishabithol and Ahamadabad in Jiribam, along southern Assam.

The explosives were safely neutralised at the spot through controlled demolition, preventing a potential threat to life and property.

A defence spokesman said the joint operation reflected the security forces’ vigilance, operational readiness and coordination with other agencies to maintain peace in the region.

UKNA Not Part of Suspension of Operations Pact

The UKNA, a Hmar tribal militant outfit, is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact between the Central and Manipur governments and several Kuki and Zomi armed groups.

A total of 23 underground outfits under two conglomerates — eight under the United People’s Front (UPF) and 15 under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) — have been under the SoO arrangement with the Government of India since August 2008.

The latest operation comes after security forces recently arrested the self-styled chief of the banned UKNA, identified as R.C. Singson, in Churachandpur district.

Arms Cache Recovered After Militant Leader’s Arrest

Singson was arrested from Old Gelmol village in Churachandpur, a district that shares an inter-state border with Mizoram and an unfenced international border with Myanmar.

Based on information allegedly provided by the arrested militant leader during interrogation, security forces conducted a search operation in the forested areas of Thingchawm village.

The operation resulted in the recovery of another cache of arms, ammunition and communication equipment, including an AK-47 rifle, a 9 mm pistol, three IEDs and two Baofeng radio communication sets.