Imphal, Manipur, November 4 (HBTV): Four cadres of the proscribed United Kuki National Army (UKNA), a non-Suspension of Operations militant outfit, were killed in an intelligence-based operation launched by security forces at Khanpi village, in the early hours of Monday.
The village is said to be approximately 80 km west of Churachandpur.
According to official sources, the encounter broke out when the militants opened fire on an advancing column of soldiers. In the retaliatory exchange, four armed cadres were killed, reports said. The operation, jointly carried out by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, is still underway, with search operations continuing in the adjoining areas to track down other insurgents who may have fled the scene, reports said.
Security officials said the action comes in the wake of recent atrocities committed by the UKNA cadres, including the killing of a village chief, intimidation of civilians, and attempts to disrupt peace and stability in the region.