In the dense jungles of Manipur's Churachandpur district, a tense pre-dawn confrontation unfolded on September 2, leaving two militants dead and two injured after security forces clashed with the United Kuki National Army (UKNA). The operation, a coordinated effort by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, began days earlier based on sharp intelligence—a reminder of the fragile peace in this troubled region.

Key facts

  • Two UKNA militants killed, two injured in gunfight
  • Operation launched August 29 in Phaibong village
  • Forces recovered rifles, grenades, ammunition, combat gear
  • UKNA is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations pact

Operation Timeline and Engagement

Acting on tipped-off intelligence, security teams moved into Phaibong village in the Henglep subdivision on the night of August 29. For days, they maintained watch over a UKNA camp, biding their time. Then, at 5 am on September 2, they began a careful tactical advance. Half an hour later, the quiet broke—indiscriminate firing erupted from the camp. The troops responded with controlled fire, turning the forest into a battlefield.

Aftermath and Recoveries

When the gunfire stilled, the toll was clear. Intel confirmed two UKNA cadres neutralized, two wounded. A search of the camp yielded a startling cache: two MA rifles, an AK-56, a lathode gun, seven lathod grenades, magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, along with combat uniforms and pouches. Each recovery tells a story of preparation and conflict.

“Intel confirms 2 UKNA cadres neutralised and 2 injured,” the Assam Rifles said in a social media post on Saturday (September 5, 2026) night.

Broader Context

The UKNA’s status outside the Suspension of Operations pact signals ongoing tensions in Manipur, where several armed groups operate. This operation underscores the military’s persistent efforts to curb violence, even as patrols continue combing the surrounding jungles. For locals, it’s another chapter in a long struggle for stability—one firefight at a time.