Chief of banned militant outfit UKNA arrested in Mizoram

Security forces arrested Thangkhomang Haokip, stated to be the commander-in-chief of the banned United Kuki National Army (UKNA), in Aizawl on Thursday. The operation was conducted by a joint team of Assam Rifles and Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB). Haokip has been accused of involvement in several crimes in Manipur.

The UKNA, concentrated primarily in Churachandpur district, is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations pact signed among the Centre, Manipur government and several Kuki and Zomi militant groups. Authorities said a search is underway for other cadres believed to be hiding in Aizawl. In August, the NIA had arrested S Palal Thadou, identified as the outfit's finance head, in connection with an April 2024 IED blast in Bishnupur district that killed two children.