4 UKNA cadres killed in alleged encounter in Churachandpur

The killing of four cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) in an alleged encounter with security forces near Khanpi village, Churachandpur district, has sparked widespread condemnation from Kuki-based civil society organisations (CSOs), who have called for a total shutdown in honour of the deceased.
According to the PIB (Defence Wing), the incident occurred in the early hours of November 4 during an intelligence-based operation, where UKNA cadres reportedly opened unprovoked fire on an army column. In the ensuing exchange, four militants were neutralised. The operation, termed “Operation Khanpi,” is ongoing with searches continuing in adjoining areas.
The slain cadres were identified as Thanglenlal Kipgen (18) son of late Holmang Kipgen of Songpi Molhoi village of Churachandpur district, Thangminlal Haokip son of Seikholet Haokip of Phaisanjang village and Alex Zammuanlal Simte son of Thawnbiakthang Simte of Pamzal village of Pherzawl district. Their bodies were airlifted to Churachandpur district hospital for legal formalities before being handed over to their families.
The UKNA, which is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, alleged that the cadres were killed while asleep and condemned the act as cowardly.
The group also accused the Indian Army of failing to prevent atrocities and called for recognition of the buffer zones established between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. In response, six Kuki CSOs—Kuki Inpi Churachandpur (KIC), Kuki Chief Association (KCA), Kuki Women Union, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR), Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi (KKL), and Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO)—issued a joint statement condemning the killings and expressing condolences to the bereaved families.
The CSOs called for restraint from all parties and announced a district-wide shutdown and mourning on the day of the funeral.