Five Militants Killed in UKNA–CKMA Clash in Tamenglong, Manipur

Five cadres of non-SoO militant group killed in gun battle in Tamenglong

Imphal, July 22, 2025: Five cadres of a non-SoO militant group were killed in a fierce gun battle that broke out early Tuesday morning at Deiveijang village under Tamenglong district of Manipur. The incident, which has sparked fresh security concerns in the region, reportedly involved two newly formed Chin-Kuki militant outfits.

Sources said the gunfight erupted between the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and the Chin Kuki Mizo Army (CKMA), both of which are not signatories to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Government of India. The deceased have been identified as Alex, Seiboi, Pongba, Ringo, and Rambo. However, authorities have yet to confirm whether all five belonged to the UKNA, CKMA, or both.

Both groups, UKNA and CKMA, are recently formed and are composed of armed elements from the Chin-Kuki community. Their operational areas include Manipur's hill districts and parts of the Indo-Myanmar border. Intelligence inputs suggest that these groups have been vying for territorial and organizational dominance since their formation.

It may be recalled that the United Kuki National Army was allegedly involved in the killing of the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Kuki National Army (KNA), a group under the SoO arrangement, on June 30 this year. The assassination of the senior KNA leader had already stirred unease in the region, hinting at growing internal friction within the broader Chin-Kuki militant landscape.

Security forces have intensified surveillance in the area following today's incident, though no official statement has been issued by state police or central forces regarding the operation or its aftermath. The situation remains tense in the vicinity of Deiveijang village.

~ The Imphal Times

Share: