The brutal killing underscores the growing influence of UKNA, a non-SoO militant group, which has recently imposed bans on sports and festivities across Kuki-Zo areas.
BY PC Bureau
October 28, 2025 — A village chief in Manipur’s Churachandpur district was brutally assaulted and killed by suspected cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), an insurgent group operating outside the Suspension of Operations (SoO) framework.
The victim, identified as M. Haokip (50), was the chief of T. Khonomphai village under the Henglep subdivision. He was reportedly attacked on Monday evening after allegedly defying a UKNA diktat enforcing a total liquor ban.
According to police, Haokip was beaten with sticks and kicked repeatedly after he was found brewing homemade liquor in his courtyard. Villagers rushed him to the Churachandpur District Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries on the way.
Manipur has been under partial prohibition since 1991 under the Manipur Liquor Prohibition Act, which bans the manufacture, sale, and consumption of liquor across the state. In practice, however, enforcement varies widely. In the hill districts , the home-brewing of traditional rice beer or distilled liquor remains common and is closely tied to tribal customs. Authorities have historically turned a blind eye to such practices, viewing them as part of local tradition or subsistence activity rather than a criminal offense, unless the production or sale takes place on a large scale.
READ: Campaigning Kicks Off for Myanmar’s Sham Election Amid Civil War and Global Rejection
READ: Prashant Kishor Registered as Voter in Both Bengal and Bihar
UKNA recently imposed harsh restrictions in the tribal-dominated hills, including a ban from November 1 onwards on all sports, entertainment, and festivities, calling it a period of mourning for “Kuki martyrs.” The group has described its orders as “disciplinary commands,” warning violators of punishment “without warning.”
The UKNA, formed in 2015, claims to represent Kuki-Zo interests and demands a separate administration for the hill tribes. However, its activities—often violent—have drawn condemnation from other Kuki organizations and villagers alike. The outfit is not part of the ceasefire pact with the Centre and Manipur government and has clashed repeatedly with the Kuki National Army (KNA), including a deadly ambush near Mongjang village in June that left four KNA members dead.
Police have registered a case at Henglep Police Station, and security has been tightened across the area to prevent further unrest. Authorities said an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the attackers.
Tension remains high in the region, as residents fear more violence amid UKNA’s increasingly rigid controls over local life.
