Mugdha Das

UKNA reiterates demand for separate administration for Kuki-ZOs

Digital Desk: A day after security forces killed four cadres of the United Kuki National Army or UKNA in an early-morning operation at Khanpi village in the Churachandpur district of Manipur, the insurgent outfit has renewed its demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people.

The UKNA further stated that it will lay down arms only if their demand for a separate administration in the form of a union territory is met.

A joint operation by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles on November 4 resulted in a firefight in which four UKNA members were killed and at least one suspect was arrested.

Security agencies said the operation was intelligence-based and that the militants opened fire on the advancing column, prompting retaliatory action.

Later, sophisticated weapons and ammunition were reportedly recovered from the site.

In a statement issued after the operation, the UKNA condemned the action at Khanpi village and described the killings as a cowardly act.

The statement recalled violent episodes during the ethnic unrest of 2023, accusing state authorities of failing to protect Kuki-Zo people from alleged atrocities.

It accused certain political actors of exploiting the community for power and money and said the UKNA’s armed struggle is driven by what it described as the need to defend land and people.

The group also said it respects talks with the Centre and the role of the Indian Army, while urging security forces not to be misled by local leaders it described as self-serving.

Local civil and Kuki community bodies have expressed outrage over the killings and called for restraint from all sides as tensions in parts of Churachandpur remain high.