A fierce encounter broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, 4 November, between Indian security forces and suspected militants of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), a non-SoO Kuki outfit, at Khanpi village, about 80 kilometres west of Churachandpur, Manipur.
According to a press release from the PRO and Spokesperson, Ministry of Defence (Manipur, Nagaland and Southern Arunachal Pradesh), the clash began when the militants opened unprovoked fire on an Indian Army column conducting an intelligence-based operation. The troops retaliated, killing four UKNA members. The operation remains underway, with extensive search operations being carried out in nearby areas.
The Defence Ministry stated that the action followed a series of violent incidents allegedly involving UKNA cadres, including the killing of a village chief, intimidation of locals, and attempts to disrupt peace and stability in the region.
The deceased UKNA members have been identified as:
Mr Thangminlal Haokip (18), son of Seikholet Haokip of Phaisanjang/Jangngoulen village
Following the incident, the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) issued a strong statement condemning what it described as a “cowardly act” in which four of its cadres were “killed while asleep” in an operation allegedly carried out with the involvement of security forces.
In its release, the UKNA accused those behind the operation of colluding with security agencies and reminded both the Indian Army and the Kuki-Zo community of the hardships faced since the outbreak of ethnic violence. The group claimed that Meitei forces had earlier driven them from their territories, resulting in atrocities “witnessed and condemned by the world.”
Reiterating its demand for a separate administration from Manipur, the UKNA clarified that it is not opposed to the Indian Army or society at large. It asserted that the group would lay down arms only after its demand for a Union Territory is fulfilled.
The statement also urged security forces “not to be misled by a few individuals” allegedly exploiting the ongoing conflict for personal gain. It reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to pursuing its objectives within the framework of the Indian Constitution and demanded justice for those killed in the Khanpi incident.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and Kuki Organization for Human Rights (KOHUR) have strongly condemned the “brutal killing” of the four UKNA members. Several other civil and community organisations have also expressed their outrage, calling for an impartial investigation into the incident.
In honour of the deceased, a candlelight vigil was organised in Sadar Hills, where residents paid tribute to the four slain cadres described as “brave soldiers.” The UKNA has declared a total shutdown across Kuki-Zo areas until the bodies of the martyrs are solemnly buried.
~ KV News
.jpg)
.jpeg)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments not related to the topic will be removed immediately.