Myanmar Military Targets PDF, KNA-B; Heavy Casualties Feared

Indian insurgent groups, primarily those based in Manipur, have become deeply involved in the ongoing civil war in Myanmar. These groups are not only engaged in internal conflicts but are also clashing with the military junta and pro-democracy forces.

Airstrikes and Clashes

In a recent incident near Kyun Pin Thar, Tamu Township, Myanmar’s military launched heavy artillery attacks, airstrikes, and drone operations against suspected People’s Defence Force (PDF) militants detected by surveillance drones. The militants reportedly fled the scene, taking bodies and weapons with them.

The PDF, which has been fighting Myanmar’s military dictatorship, has long been suspected of aligning with Kuki-Zo militant groups operating along the border. The PDF was created by various anti-junta factions, including ethnic militias and pro-democracy groups. Its primary objective is to overthrow the military junta and restore the civilian government that was ousted in the 2021 coup. The PDF aims to protect Myanmar’s people from military repression and promote democratic governance.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that members of the Kuki National Army (KNA) were also targeted in the operation. This after KNA ( Burma) reportedly clashed with Manipur’s r valley-based insurgent groups, including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) .  At least ten KNA cadres and three PDF personnel were reportedly killed in that confrontation.

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Fallout from Border Clashes

Intelligence sources indicate that the Myanmar military’s airstrikes were in retaliation for that deadly clash near Pillar No. 87 along the India-Myanmar border. The incident marked a significant escalation as rival groups fought for strategic control.

Reports claim that Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) has issued directives to conceal details of its injured and deceased cadres from Churachandpur to obscure its status as a transnational insurgent group operating across Manipur and Myanmar. Sources suggest that 3-4 KNA-B fighters from Churachandpur were killed during the January 27, 2025, clash with the Myanmar junta.

During a territorial clearance operation on Tuesday, Myanmar security forces reportedly recovered seven PDF bodies, eight firearms, ammunition, and related equipment.

Kuki-Manipur-Myanmar Connection

A strong connection between Manipur insurgents and Myanmar-based militant groups has emerged. One of the KNA-B cadres killed in the recent clashes was identified as Seikhotinsat Khongsai, a resident of Thingkangphai, Churachandpur, India.

Khongsai reportedly joined the United Tribal Volunteers (UTV), an armed organization under the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), following the outbreak of violence in Manipur. He later traveled to Myanmar for militant training with the Kachin Independent Army (KIA), a well-known insurgent group operating in Myanmar.

Khongsai was killed in a gunfight while attempting to bypass Myanmar junta forces that were blocking KNA-B efforts to establish operational links with Manipur.

Rising Youth Militancy

Sources indicate a growing trend of Kuki youths from Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, and Chandel being sent by ITLF to Myanmar for training under the Kachin Independent Army. These individuals are reportedly being prepared for potential armed engagements upon their return to Manipur. The Valley-based insurgent groups are alreatyd working hand-in-hand ith the Myyanmar junta.

This development highlights a growing transnational insurgency issue, further complicating the fragile security landscape along the India-Myanmar border.