The militant outfit alleges KNO chief PS Haokip engaged with assassins and CID sleuths, calling it betrayal of the Kuki cause and warning him to cease such actions.
BY PC Bureau
October 24, 2025 —In a draconian diktat, the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) has banned all sports, entertainment, and festivities across the Kuki-Zo dominated tribal hills of Manipur starting November 1. The militant outfit also accused Kuki National Organization (KNO) Chief P.S. Haokip of plotting to get UKNA cadres arrested and eliminated.
In a press release, the UKNA alleged that Haokip chaired four meetings where plans were hatched to target and neutralize UKNA members. The group further claimed that Haokip “engaged with assassins and CID sleuths” to achieve his objectives, describing his actions as “a betrayal of the Kuki cause.” The statement lamented that “the Kuki-Zo people are still suffering from deep wounds and have not yet received justice,” and warned Haokip to cease such “dangerous games” and instead work toward justice for his people.
UKNA is an armed Kuki-Zo outfit operating primarily in Manipur’s hill districts. Formed in 2015, it claims to fight for the protection of Kuki interests and the establishment of a separate administrative arrangement for the Kuki-Zo people. The group is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Indian government and several Kuki militant organizations. Its activities have occasionally brought it into conflict with other Kuki factions and security forces.
UKNA reaffirmed its demand for a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo people and said it staunchly supports the SoO framework while “defending the interests and dignity of the Kuki people.” It warned that anyone engaging in merrymaking, sports, or festivities while families of martyrs are still mourning “will face strict disciplinary action.” Declaring that the Kuki-Zo people “are still at war and in mourning,” the group prohibited all forms of recreation, stating: “There will be no sports, festivities, or entertainment from November 1 onward, and violators will be punished without warning.”
The outfit added that, since it could not hold a press conference, this press note should be treated as part of its “public consultation.”
The factional rivalry between the KNA and UKNA has a long history. On June 30, 2025, UKNA gunmen carried out an ambush near Mongjang village, approximately 5 km from Churachandpur town. The victims included Thenkhothang Haokip alias Thahpi (48), deputy commander-in-chief of the Kuki National Army (KNA); Seikhogin (34) and Lengouhao (35), both KNA members; and Phalhing (72), a bystander from Koite village. The assailants opened fire on their vehicle, resulting in all four deaths. UKNA claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that Thahpi was involved in the killings of their Public Relations Officer Satkhohao and over 30 others.
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