Songpi, Aug 7, 2036: Security forces have arrested a top cadre of the United Kuki National Army from Churachandpur district and recovered a cache of arms and explosives, Churachandpur Police confirmed on Thursday.
The arrested person has been identified as RC Singson, resident of Old Gelmol Village under Churachandpur Police Station. He is alleged to be the Army Chief of the UKNA and was apprehended on August 5 during a joint security operation based on specific intelligence input.
Following sustained interrogation and on the basis of information disclosed by the accused, a team of 5 Assam Rifles launched a search operation in the forested area near Thingchawm Village in Churachandpur district.
During the search, the team recovered one AK-47 rifle with magazine, one 9 mm pistol with magazine, three Improvised Explosive Devices, two Baofeng radio communication sets and one smartphone. The recovery was made from a concealed location in the forest.
Churachandpur Police said the recovered arms, explosives and communication devices have been formally seized and taken into custody for further forensic and legal procedures.
In this connection, a case has been registered at Churachandpur Police Station under FIR No. 79(08)2026 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and the Explosive Substances Act. Further investigation is in progress to ascertain the source of the weapons and the network of the group.
Security operations have been intensified in the district following the arrest, officials added.
According to security sources, the UKNA is a non-Suspension of Operations (SoO) armed organisation operating in the region. The UKNA (Hmar) is the armed wing of the UKNA and is part of the broader Kuki armed movement.
Sources close to the organisation claim that the group supports the long-standing public demand for a separate administration in the form of a Kuki state or Union Territory.
