In a shocking escalation of intra-group violence in Manipur’s troubled hills, Thahpi Haokip, also known as Thenkhothang, a commander of the Kuki National Army (KNA), was shot dead along with two associates on Monday afternoon in an ambush allegedly carried out by cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA).
The fatal attack took place in Mongjang village, located in the interior of Churachandpur district, further deepening tensions among Kuki insurgent factions.
Details of the Incident
According to local sources and visual evidence shared online, the victims were attacked while traveling in a vehicle. Graphic videos circulating on social media show three male bodies slumped inside the vehicle and the body of a woman lying by the roadside — believed to be a local resident caught in the crossfire.
Casualty Details
| Name / Identity | Affiliation | Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thahpi Haokip (Thenkhothang) | KNA | Killed | Commander-level cadre |
| Two unidentified associates | KNA | Killed | Likely part of Thahpi’s team |
| Unidentified woman | Civilian? | Killed | Allegedly a local, not a combatant |
UKNA Claims Responsibility
Shortly after the killings, the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) released a press statement claiming responsibility for the ambush. In the statement, the UKNA declared that Thahpi and his men were “punished” for alleged crimes committed against the outfit in the past.
“Thahpi was responsible for the killing of our PRO Satkhohao, a youth named Tamin Hunter, and around 30 others over the years,” the UKNA claimed in its release.
The statement has sparked widespread condemnation on social media platforms, with many questioning the deepening cycle of vengeance and lawlessness in the hills.
Security Response and Public Reaction
Authorities in Churachandpur have not yet issued an official statement, but sources confirm that investigations are underway, and a security review is being conducted in Mongjang and surrounding areas.
Locals expressed concern over the continued inter-factional violence, with some fearing a fresh round of retaliatory attacks. Tensions have been simmering in the region for months amid increasing armed activity by various ethnic insurgent groups.
Background on Thahpi Haokip
Thahpi was a known commander of the Kuki National Army (KNA), a group with a long-standing presence in Manipur’s hills. While details of his past operations remain unclear, sources describe him as a strategic field leader involved in multiple turf wars with rival factions over the years.
Conclusion
The killing of Thahpi Haokip has once again exposed the fragile peace in Manipur’s hill districts, where rival ethnic armed groups continue to engage in bloody skirmishes despite Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangements with the government. With UKNA openly taking responsibility, the pressure is now on the state and central authorities to prevent further escalation and reassert control over the lawless zones.