Songpi: Security forces in Churachandpur on August 26, 2026, arrested an active cadre belonging to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA). The operation was carried out by a team of 5 Assam Rifles, who later handed over the apprehended individual to Churachandpur Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The arrested person has been identified as self-styled Sergeant Major Satngam Doungel, aged 43 years, a resident of Saihenjang Village, Churachandpur. According to official sources, he was intercepted during a targeted search operation based on specific intelligence inputs regarding movement of armed cadres in the area.
During the search, security personnel recovered one 9mm Beretta pistol in functional condition, along with five live rounds of 9mm ammunition and one magazine from his possession.
In a separate but related combing operation conducted on the same day, security forces recovered a large cache of arms and explosives from Nepali Basti area near Maovom Village, Churachandpur. The seizure included a single-barrel MP-09 weapon, a functional rocket locally known as Pumpi, eight live rounds of 7.62x39mm AK ammunition, two landmines, one mortar bomb, four detonators and one improvised fragmentation mine.
The recovery of explosives such as landmines and mortar bombs has raised serious security concerns, indicating attempts to stockpile lethal materials in the area. The entire recovered consignment has been seized and taken into custody for forensic examination.
Meanwhile, police have registered a formal case at Churachandpur Police Station in connection with both recoveries. Officials confirmed that interrogation of the arrested UKNA cadre is underway to ascertain his network and source of arms procurement. Security has been tightened across the district to prevent any untoward incident.
