Four members of the insurgent group United Kuki National Army (UKNA) were killed during an encounter with security forces in Manipur early Tuesday morning.

The gunfight occurred at Khanpi village under Henglep subdivision, around 80 km west of Churachandpur town.

According to a statement from the Defence Ministry, “Terrorists resorted to unprovoked firing on an Army column at Khanpi village, Churachandpur. In the ensuing firefight between security forces and armed cadres of UKNA, a non-Suspension of Operations (SoO) insurgent group, four cadres of the terrorist organisation were neutralised.”

The Ministry added that the operation came in response to recent violent activities by UKNA cadres, including the killing of a village chief, intimidation of civilians, and attempts to disrupt peace in the region.

“The successful neutralisation of these terrorists underscores the Indian Army and Assam Rifles’ commitment to protecting innocent civilians, mitigating threats, and ensuring peace and stability in Manipur,” the statement said.

The UKNA is known to be primarily active in the Churachandpur district.