A representative photo of security forces in Manipur.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Guwahati: Security forces in conflict-torn Manipur on Tuesday said four cadres of United Kuki National Army (UKNA), an armed group, died during an encounter in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district.
But the group, in a statement later, claimed that the four were killed when they were asleep at Khanpi village. Several other Kuki civil society organisations also condemned the incident.
A statement issued by Army on Tuesday morning said the incident took place when a team comprising personnel of both Army and Assam Rifles came under attack during a combing operation in the village situated at 80km west of Churachandpur.
"This operation follows recent atrocities by UKNA cadres including killing of a village chief, intimidation of locals and attempts to disrupt peace and stability in the region," said the statement issued by Army and Assam Rifles.
The UKNA is not part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement signed by several Kuki insurgent groups with the government earlier.
Separate Administration:
Countering the claim by the security forces, the UKNA said they were not against the security forces and were only fighting for a "separate administration" for the Kukis as a solution to the conflict with the Meiteis. It said they would surrender once the demand for a separate administration is fulfilled by the Centre.
Several Kuki Civil society organisations such as Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, and Kuki Students' Organisation Churachandpur (KSO) issued a joint statement condemnimg the killing.
"The Kuki civil societies appeal to both the government security agencies and all insurgent and volunteer groups to refrain from further bloodshed and to seek peaceful means to resolve differences, so that peace and harmony may prevail in our region," said the joint statement.
They issued a call for "total shutdown" in Churachandpur district during the funeral of the deceased.