Northeast insurgents clash with Myanmar militants, 3 Manipur rebels killed
Imphal: A violent clash between Myanmar insurgent and Manipur rebels along Indo-Burma border on Wednesday morning resulted in the deaths of three leaders from two outlawed insurgent groups of the violence hit Northeastern state.
According to a statement issued by N Ningsingba, assistant secretary of the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak-Progressive (PREPAK-PRO), the incident occurred during a joint operation by several northeastern Indian insurgent groups against Kuki rebels in Myanmar.
Among the casualties were Oinam Gulu, alias Babu, the leader of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the armed wing of the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF); Wahengbam Saratkumar alias Sopaiba, a self-styled captain with PREPAK-PRO; and Nongmaithem Bonisana alias Nongdol, a self-styled Lance Corporal from the same group.
The statement expressed deep shock and sorrow over the loss of these leaders and observed a two-minute silence in their memory.
It also condemned the demand for Kukiland within the framework of Manipur's integrity.
Local reports indicate that the gunfight between the insurgent groups and the Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) and People's Defence Force (PDF) took place in the early hours of Wednesday near the Ukhrul district of Manipur.
The exact number of casualties remains unclear, though local media sources have suggested at least six fatalities.
This tragic incident underscores the ongoing tensions and violence in the region, particularly along the porous border between India and Myanmar.