Manipur: UKNA condemns Assam Rifles’ operation after four militants killed

Imphal: Counterinsurgency operations (CIO) intensified by Indian security forces along the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur's Henglep subdivision in Churachandpur district have come under heavy criticism from the outlawed United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and several social outfits.

This followed the Assam Rifles’ destruction of an insurgent camp and recovery of a cache of weapons during the intensified CIO in the region, amid mixed reactions from the proscribed UKNA over the killing of four of its cadres on Tuesday.

Apart from neutralising four militants associated with the UKNA, the Assam Rifles claimed to have recovered arms, including one 7.62 mm self-loading rifle, one AK-56, one MA4 MK II rifle, one under-barrel grenade launcher with magazines, ammunition, and other warlike stores from the cadres.

Additionally, during search operations, a column of Assam Rifles discovered and destroyed a UKNA camp, recovering three single-barreled rifles, bulletproof jackets, tactical vests, Motorola communication sets, and other warlike stores.

However, the UKNA, in a press statement issued by its Department of Home Affairs, strongly condemned what it described as a cowardly act committed by security forces at Khanpi village on November 4, where four of its cadres were killed in their sleep.

The organisation denounced the incident as inhumane and unjust, asserting that it reflects betrayal and cowardice.

"This is to remind the Indian security forces and all the Kuki-Zo people that the Meitei people had forced us to leave our territory. Many were killed, butchered, tortured, raped, lynched, and paraded naked. The atrocities inflicted upon us were witnessed and condemned by the global community. The Indian Army failed to protect us and prevent these incidents. We are, however, grateful for the ensuing protection, stability, and the establishment of buffer zones between the Kuki-Zo and the Meiteis," the statement read.

Concluding the statement, the outfit reaffirmed its faith in ongoing peace efforts and asserted that its struggle is for justice, dignity, and the rightful protection of its people and land.

Many Churachandpur-based civil organisations have appealed to the general public to observe a district-wide total shutdown and mourning on the day of the funeral of the four killed UKNA militants.

The Kuki organisations, including Kuki Inpi Manipur, Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, Kuki Chiefs Association Churachandpur, Kuki Women Union Churachandpur, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, and Kuki Students' Organisation Churachandpur, have strongly condemned the killing of the four militants.