KNA leader, 3 others killed in UKNA ambush
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 30 2025: In a deadly attack, later claimed by the non-SoO group United Kuki National Army (UKNA), near Mongjang village in Churachandpur district on Monday afternoon, three cadres of the suspension of operation (SoO) signatory Kuki National Army (KNA) and an elderly woman lost their lives.

The ambush occurred near Mongjang village, around 4/5km from Churachandpur town, at about 2pm when some KNA cadres were travelling in a car while the elderly woman was believed to be caught in the cross-fire.

The deceased have been identified as KNA commander Thenkhothang Haokip alias Thahpi (48), Seikhogin (34), Lengouhao (35) and Phalhing (72) .

Lengouhao is said to be son-in-law of KNO chief PS Haokip.

As per report received from the ground, some well-armed cadres of UKNA fired towards a moving car near Mongjang village at about 2pm Monday with three occupants of the car getting killed instantly.

With bullet marks on their heads and bodies, the KNA trio Thenkhothang, Seikhogin and Lengouhao were found dead inside the car while elderly woman Phalhing was found lying dead on the road not far from the car.

Churachandpur police have registered an FIR and started investigation while preliminary reports suggest that the deceased were fired at point blank range.

Police also recovered 12 empty bullet cases of different calibre from the spot.

Additional security forces have been rushed to the area.

Claiming responsibility for Monday's attack, a statement of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) issued by information and publicity department said the Thenkhothang Haokip alias Thahpi has been punished for killing UKNA leader (L) Tamin Hunter and organisation's PRO (L) Satkhohao besides causing dead to more than 30 Kuki people.

Whenever UKNA cadres go on leave, Thahpi intimidated the cadres and keeps them unable to enjoy their leave, the UKNA statement said.

Notably, UKNA camp commander Thangminlal Haokip alias Tamin Hunter was killed by his own bodyguard at Gel-jang village near Leimatak in May, 2024 while outfit's centre PRO Satkhohao Haokip was shot dead at his house in Churachandpur town by unidentified gunmen on the intervening night of September 30 and October 1, 2024 .

The bodies of the deceased have been sent to the Churachandpur District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.

A case has been registered and forensic evidence collected from the scene has been submitted for further investigation.

The KNO/KNA is one of 25 Kuki-Zo underground organisations currently under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Indian government.

The sudden and violent killing of one of its top commanders is likely to heighten tensions in the already volatile region.

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