Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Indian Army soldiers and Assam Rifles troops killed two members of the proscribed United Kuki National Army during a September 2, 2026, raid. The operation hit a makeshift insurgent camp near Parbung village in the Churachandpur district. This location sits close to the junction where Myanmar, Assam, and Mizoram meet.
This clash marks the first time security forces neutralized UKNA fighters in the district this year. It follows a November 4, 2025, mission at Khanpi village that left four UKNA cadres dead. Authorities targeted the group to stop a string of extortion attempts against local schools, banks, and civilians.
The UKNA refuses to sign the Suspension of Operations ceasefire agreement kept by other Kuki-Zomi groups. Officials report the organization continues to rely on violence and intimidation to disrupt the region. The team moved in under cover of darkness to catch the group off guard.
"Maintaining complete surprise, the joint team closed in on the UKNA camp and challenged the insurgents, who immediately retaliated with high-intensity automatic gunfire," a source stated. The militants opened fire, forcing the combined security team to fight back.
The firefight claimed two lives and sent two wounded insurgents fleeing into the hills. Troops searched the site after the shooting stopped. They seized three automatic rifles, a 40mm Lathode launcher, and various military supplies. Soldiers flattened the camp before leaving. Combing operations continue throughout the area today.
Updated at 6th September 2026 at 2:01pm
Security forces tracked the site for days before the raid, maintaining surveillance on the camp starting August 29. The operation commenced at 5:00 a.m. on September 2, with the firefight breaking out around 5:30 a.m. The location is specifically identified as Phaibong village within the Henglep Sub-Division. While initial reports identified the camp as being near Parbung, military officials later clarified the specific site coordinates.
A deep sweep of the ruins yielded a massive haul of gear. Beyond the initial count, troops seized two 5.56 mm MA rifles, 15 AK magazines, 371 rounds of AK-56 ammunition, 601 rounds of MA rifle ammunition, and 172 SLR rounds. The inventory also included seven Lathode grenades, 15 combat uniforms, seven ammunition pouches, five backpacks, three combat bags, and five pairs of jungle shoes. The Kuki Human Rights Council has since challenged the official account, labeling the operation as an extrajudicial killing.
Updated at 6th September 2026 at 9:46pm
Military officials clarified the raid occurred in Phaibong village within the Henglep Sub-Division. Troops initiated surveillance on the camp on August 29. The operation moved into its tactical phase at 5:00 a.m. on September 2, with the exchange of gunfire starting thirty minutes later.
The equipment sweep produced a larger haul than initially reported. Forces recovered two 5.56 mm MA rifles, one AK-56 rifle, 15 AK magazines, and a total of 1,144 rounds of various ammunition types, including 371 AK-56 rounds, 601 MA rifle rounds, and 172 SLR rounds. The haul also included seven Lathode grenades, 15 combat uniforms, seven ammunition pouches, five backpacks, three combat bags, and five pairs of jungle shoes.
The Kuki Human Rights Council has since pushed back against the official military version of events, characterizing the operation as an extrajudicial killing.
Updated at 7th September 2026 at 5:51pm
Security forces confirmed the Phaibong raid yielded a specific arsenal including two 5.56 mm MA rifles, one AK-56 rifle, and a 40mm Lathode gun. The total ammo haul reached 1,144 rounds, comprising 371 AK-56 cartridges, 601 MA rifle rounds, and 172 SLR rounds. Troops also cleared out 15 combat uniforms, seven ammunition pouches, five backpacks, three combat bags, and five pairs of jungle shoes from the site.
Violence flared again on Monday in the Kangpokpi district. Police report that gunmen approached Lhunjang village around 5 a.m., sparking a 30-minute gun battle with Manipur Rifles and India Reserve Battalion personnel. While no casualties occurred in the exchange, the retreating gunmen torched the Lhunjang Primary School, leaving the structure gutted. Authorities are investigating the arson, with local sources pointing toward involvement by NSCN (IM) and ZUF-K factions.
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