Manipur: Nine More Kuki Militants Killed as Gunfight Near Indo-Myanmar Border Enters Third Day

KAMJONG: Nine more Kuki militants were killed as the intense gunfight between the Kuki National Army – Burma (KNA-B) and Manipur-based rebel groups continued for the third consecutive day near Border Pillar No. 87 at Yangoupok village in Kamjong district.

A well-informed source reported that over 20 Kuki militants have already been killed since the January 27 eruption of the conflict. The gun battle is currently on in an area close to the Indo-Myanmar border, where several sporadic clashes had earlier occurred between various insurgent groups.

According to reports, the violence increased when KNA-B cadres attacked the Manipur rebel groups early this morning. The attack was made using weaponized drones and sophisticated firearms, which marked a significant increase in militant tactics.

The opposing rebel groups retaliated with heavy gunfire, killing nine Kuki militants on the spot.

In the ensuing battle, eight firearms along with rounds of ammunition used by the Kuki militants were captured by the opposing rebel forces. The intense battle continued till the evening and placed the situation in the border areas of Kamjong in extreme volatility.

Sources also reported increased movement of Kuki militants between Border Pillars 85 and 87, which is a cause for concern that the clashes may escalate further. Some of the militants killed were identified as residents of Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts, based on Aadhaar cards recovered from their bodies.  The security agencies are keeping a close watch on the situation, while tensions remain high in the conflict-stricken region.

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