Meitie and Tankghul Naga social media reports claiming that several KNA-B cadres were killed in a recent border clash have not been officially confirmed.
BY PC Bureau
April 24, 2026 — The Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) on Thursday issued a strong denial of claims circulating on social media that its cadres were involved in a viral video showing blindfolded youths, even as unverified reports about the killing of its members in a recent cross-border clash continue to circulate.
In a statement released from the General Headquarters of the Kuki National Organisation/Government of Kuki State, the KNA-B described the allegations linking it to the video as “baseless and false,” attributing them to “certain Tangkhul miscreants in India.”
The viral footage, widely shared across platforms, allegedly shows armed men guarding or detaining blindfolded youths. The video has triggered speculation about the identity of the personnel involved and possible links to ongoing violence in Manipur’s hill districts.
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KNA-B Rejects India Link, Slams ‘Fake’ Video as Tangkhul Disinformation
Moreh: April 24, 2026
The Kuki National Army, Burma (KNA-B) on Friday strongly refuted allegations linking it to a viral video that shows blindfolded youths and claims of KNA-B involvement in attacks on… pic.twitter.com/nsz2e7JL3n— Kukiland – Kuki Country (@BoinuHaoki36609) April 24, 2026
KNA-B’s Grounds for Denial
Rejecting any involvement, the KNA-B outlined three key points:
- Uniform discrepancy: The group said its cadres do not wear the type of uniform visible in the video.
- Insignia placement: It noted that its personnel wear insignias on both shoulders, unlike the single-shoulder marking seen in the footage.
- Language cues: The presence of Burmese-language audio in the clip, it argued, points to the involvement of Si-Aso members — a group the KNA-B says is not part of its ranks.
Clash Reports and Conflicting Narratives
The clarification comes against the backdrop of reports of a gunfight along the Indo-Myanmar border on April 13. According to earlier local and social media reports, between four and five suspected KNA-B cadres were killed in an armed clash with cadres of the NSCN-IM in the Kamjong sector.
The reported confrontation is said to have taken place between Ashang Khullen (KAKA area) in Manipur and Phaiyang village across the border in Myanmar, and allegedly lasted for about an hour. However, there has been no official confirmation from security forces or the government regarding the incident, and details remain unverified.
Social media platforms, particularly accounts linked to Meitei and Naga groups, this morning claimed that five KNA-B cadres were killed in the encounter. These claims have not been independently corroborated.
Links to Recent Violence Alleged
Naga civil society groups and local sources also alleged that the group involved in the border clash — or members of the same outfit — may be linked to recent attacks in the region, including:
- TM Kasom ambush (April 18, 2026): Two Tangkhul Naga civilians were killed in an attack on vehicles along National Highway-202 in Ukhrul district.
- Tronglaobi mortar attack (April 7, 2026): A projectile struck a civilian home in Bishnupur district, killing two young children and critically injuring their mother.
However, no official forensic or investigative confirmation has been made public linking KNA-B cadres to these incidents.
Separately, Manipur Home Minister K. Govindas Konthoujam claimed that five cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA/UKNLA) have been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the Bishnupur attack. The outfit is not part of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
Rising Role of Misinformation
Analysts say the overlapping claims, denials, and circulation of unverified visuals reflect the increasingly complex information environment surrounding the conflict in Manipur. Competing narratives from different communities have often emerged quickly on social media, sometimes ahead of official verification.
The devlopments come amid heightened tensions in Manipur’s hill districts, particularly along the porous Indo-Myanmar border, where multiple armed groups operate. Security forces, including the Assam Rifles, have reportedly intensified patrols, but concerns remain over the potential for further escalation.
With conflicting claims and limited official clarity, the situation remains fluid. Officials and observers have urged restraint and caution in sharing unverified information, warning that misinformation could further inflame tensions in an already volatile region.
