Intense clashes erupted along the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur as Indian separatist cadres and Myanmar-based Kuki National Army (Burma) insurgents exchanged heavy gunfire. At least four KNA(B) militants were killed, and a Manipur-based insurgent was injured in the firefight, which also saw the destruction of a KNA(B) camp. Security forces have launched an investigation into the incident.
BY PC Bureau
Cadres of an Indian separatist group and Myanmar-based insurgents from the Kuki National Army (Burma) engaged in intense gunfire along the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur on Monday, according to reports.
At least four KNA(B) insurgents based in Myanmar were killed in the exchange of fire near Yaingoupk/Wangli village, close to Border Pillar 87 in Manipur’s Kamjong district.
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A member of a valley-based insurgent outfit from Manipur was also injured in the gunfight, which began around 2:15 a.m. on Monday and lasted until 6 a.m. The clash resulted in the destruction of a temporary KNA(B) camp. Six sophisticated weapons were reportedly seized by the Manipur-based insurgents from their Myanmar-based counterparts. The Kuki National Organisation/ Kuki National Army was founded on February 24, 1988 with the sole aim of realizing the Kuki Peoples’ lost rights.
Following the incident, a team from the Assam Rifles, deployed along the border, rushed to the site and launched an investigation.
The Kuki National Army operates two armed wings—one in India and another in Myanmar, known as KNA(B). The group’s Myanmar-based faction is estimated to have around 200 cadres and has been demanding a separate administration.
Notably, nine insurgent groups, including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak), have called for a boycott of India’s Republic Day 2025, reiterating their demand for an independent Manipur. These groups continue to operate along the border, periodically asserting their presence.
