IMPHAL, Sept 6: Two militants of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) were killed and two others injured in an exchange of fire with a joint team of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles in Churachandpur district, officials said.
The operation was launched following intelligence inputs about the presence of UKNA cadres at a camp in Phaibong village under Henglep subdivision. Security forces kept the camp under surveillance before launching a tactical operation early on September 2.
According to the Assam Rifles, the militants opened fire at around 5.30 am, prompting the troops to respond with controlled fire. The force later said intelligence had confirmed that two UKNA cadres were killed and two injured.
A search of the camp led to the recovery of two MA rifles, an AK-56 rifle, a lathode gun, seven lathod grenades, 15 AK magazines, 371 AK-56 rounds, 601 MA rifle rounds and 172 SLR rounds. Security forces also recovered 15 combat uniforms and seven ammunition pouches.
The operation continued in the surrounding jungle areas, the Assam Rifles said.
The UKNA is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Centre, the Manipur government and several Kuki and Zomi armed groups.
