A joint team of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles killed two cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and injured two others during a tactical operation at a suspected insurgent camp in Phaibong village, Henglep subdivision of Churachandpur district, security officials said.
Timeline of the operation
According to official accounts, the operation was launched after specific intelligence inputs. Security forces began surveillance of a UKNA camp following actionable leads on the night of 29 August. Troops moved to close in tactically on the camp on the morning of 2 September, establishing final positioning around 5 a.m.
At about 5.30 a.m., the officials said, UKNA cadres opened what was described as "indiscriminate firing", prompting the security personnel to respond with controlled retaliatory fire. The Assam Rifles later posted on social media that field intelligence had confirmed two UKNA cadres were neutralised and two were injured.
"Intel confirms 2 UKNA cadres neutralised and 2 injured," the Assam Rifles said in a social media post on Saturday night.
Arms and material recovered
Following the engagement, a search of the camp led to the seizure of a cache of weapons, ammunition and combat gear. Officials listed the recovered items as follows:
- 2 MA rifles
- 1 AK-56 rifle
- 1 lathode gun
- 7 lathod grenades
- 15 AK magazines
- 371 AK-56 rounds
- 601 MA rifle rounds
- 172 SLR rounds
- 15 combat uniforms
- 7 ammunition pouches
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| MA rifles | 2 |
| AK-56 rifle | 1 |
| Lathode gun | 1 |
| Lathod grenades | 7 |
| AK magazines | 15 |
| AK-56 rounds | 371 |
| MA rifle rounds | 601 |
| SLR rounds | 172 |
| Combat uniforms | 15 |
| Ammunition pouches | 7 |
Operational context and implications
Security officials noted the United Kuki National Army is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement that the Centre, the Manipur government and several Kuki and Zomi outfits signed earlier. The UKNA's exclusion from the pact has meant it remained outside the formal ceasefire arrangements that cover other groups in the state.
The seizure of a substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition is significant for operations in Churachandpur, a district that has been a focus of inter-community tensions and militant activity in recent years. Recovery of combat uniforms and pouches also indicates the presence of a semi-fixed campsite, officials said.
Operation continuing in surrounding jungles
Authorities said the operation was ongoing, with search-and-clear activities continuing in the neighbouring forested areas to track any fleeing cadres and to ensure there are no additional arms caches. The Assam Rifles described follow-up measures as part of standard procedure, aimed at denying militant groups freedom of movement in the area.
There was no immediate independent confirmation of the identities of the deceased or of the exact number of those present at the camp during the operation. Local administration and police in Churachandpur have been informed, the security sources said.
Regional sensitivity
Churachandpur lies in the hill districts of Manipur, which have complex social and political dynamics involving multiple ethnic communities and armed groups. Incidents of this kind carry the risk of escalation if not managed carefully, and security forces often combine tactical action with community outreach to reduce friction.
For residents in Assam and the North-East, developments across the Manipur border are watched closely because changes in security dynamics can affect movement, commerce and displacement patterns across neighbouring districts.
Officials said they will continue operations until the area is declared clear and urged locals to cooperate with security teams and report suspicious activity through the proper channels.
This report is based on official accounts released by the Assam Rifles and security agencies regarding the operation in Phaibong village, Churachandpur district.
