At least ten suspected militants, believed to be members of the Kuki National Army (KNA), were killed in a gunfight with an Assam Rifles unit in Manipur’s Chandel district on Wednesday, according to Army officials. The encounter took place during a counter-insurgency operation near the Indo-Myanmar border and is still ongoing.
Assam Rifles launched the operation based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of armed cadres in the New Samtal area under Khengjoy tehsil in Chandel district. The area, known for militant activity, lies close to the international border with Myanmar.
“Acting on credible intelligence, an Assam Rifles unit under Spear Corps launched a targeted operation on May 14. As the troops approached the suspected location, they came under fire from armed cadres. The troops responded swiftly, redeployed, and retaliated in a controlled and effective manner,” the Army’s Eastern Command posted on X.
In the ensuing exchange of fire, ten militants were neutralised. A significant cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from the site.
Further details are awaited as security forces continue the combing operation in the dense and remote terrain of Chandel.
This encounter occurs against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur. The state has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid escalating violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The conflict, which began in May 2023, has resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of approximately 60,000 people.
Despite efforts to restore normalcy, sporadic incidents of unrest continue to be reported, particularly in districts like Churachandpur and parts of the Imphal Valley. Recent protests and demonstrations have highlighted the persistent volatility in the region.
The ongoing operation by the Assam Rifles underscores the fragile security situation in Manipur and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order in the state.
