#Four Militants Encounter/sbkinews.in
A major success for security forces has come from Manipur’s Churachandpur district, where 4 militants belonging to the banned United Kuki National Army (UKNA) were neutralized during an early-morning encounter on November 4, 2025. The gunfight took place in Khanpi village under the Henglep sub-division, around 80 kilometers west of the district headquarters, marking a decisive blow to militant networks operating in the region.
According to official sources, the joint operation was launched based on precise intelligence inputs regarding the presence of heavily armed UKNA cadres in the area. The intelligence suggested that these militants were responsible for multiple criminal acts, including murder, extortion, and intimidation of civilians. Acting on this tip-off, a joint team of the Indian Army and local police units moved into Khanpi village in the pre-dawn hours to cordon the suspected location.
As the troops approached the target area, the militants opened unprovoked fire on the security convoy, prompting an immediate and coordinated retaliatory action. The fierce exchange of fire continued for several minutes, after which the security forces successfully neutralized four militants. The operation showcased the swift response and tactical coordination between different security agencies in Manipur working under the unified command structure.
Officials confirmed that following the encounter, weapons, and ammunition including assault rifles, grenades, and incriminating documents related to UKNA activities were recovered from the site. Forensic experts have been dispatched to verify the seized materials, and intelligence agencies are further scrutinizing the documents to uncover the next layer of the insurgent network.
Growing UKNA Hostility and Security Measures
The United Kuki National Army has been under the radar of national security agencies for several years. The outfit, reportedly operating with the objective of asserting control over parts of Manipur’s hill districts, has been involved in serious offenses such as extortion of local traders, recruitment of minors, and assaults on civilians who refuse to comply with their demands. In recent months, the group had escalated its violence in Churachandpur and adjoining regions, forcing security forces to intensify their counterinsurgency roadmap.
Over the past few weeks, intelligence reports had pointed to the regrouping of the banned group’s splinter cells near the border areas and in thick forested zones. Authorities stated that Tuesday’s operation was a planned counteraction aimed at dismantling one such regrouping module that posed a direct security threat to civilians and local law enforcement.
A senior defense spokesperson said, “The successful neutralization of four hardcore UKNA militants is a result of accurate intelligence gathering and sustained vigilance by our forces. Every operation is conducted with utmost care to prevent collateral damage, and this engagement was handled with precision and restraint.”
Local Reaction and Relief
Following the news of the encounter, a wave of relief spread among the local residents of Henglep subdivision. Many villagers expressed gratitude toward the security forces for eliminating elements responsible for spreading fear and disruption. Civilians had long complained about extortion demands by the group and the looming threat of violence against those who resisted. Community representatives have urged continued security vigil to prevent the resurgence of such armed outfits in the future.
However, authorities have also urged locals to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies and to report any suspicious movement in their vicinity. Awareness drives and community policing initiatives have been launched to sustain public confidence and ensure peaceful coexistence in the insurgency-prone zones of Manipur.
Broader Security Implications
Experts suggest that the fresh encounter underlines the ongoing challenges of tackling insurgency in India’s northeast. Manipur, owing to its complex ethnic composition and strategic location near the international border, remains a sensitive zone. The recent operation underlines the government’s renewed approach of proactive engagement to neutralize threats before they escalate into larger conflicts.
Security analysts point out that the efficient conduct of the Khanpi operation reflects the increasing capability of India’s counterinsurgency apparatus. With advanced surveillance, improved coordination, and actionable intelligence, the forces have been able to contain the movements of several underground factions operating in the hill districts.
The incident also emphasizes the critical need for socio-political dialogue and the rehabilitation of youth susceptible to insurgent recruitment. Development initiatives, vocational training programs, and peace-building missions have been rolled out in several districts, aligning with the central government’s broader vision to restore long-term stability in the Northeast.
In recent statements, senior officials reiterated that the government remains committed to eliminating all militant outfits that endanger national peace and internal security. As investigations continue, security forces are maintaining heightened alert to thwart any retaliatory attempts by the banned outfit or its affiliates.
The successful elimination of four hardcore militants in the Churachandpur encounter stands as a reminder that the state’s commitment to peace and law enforcement remains unwavering. With improved intelligence sharing and swift operational execution, authorities assert that any entity threatening the safety and harmony of Manipur will face a firm and immediate response.
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