Eurasia Press & News
On May 14, 2025, at least 10 suspected Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B) militants were killed in a gunfight with Assam Rifles in New Samtal village in Khengjoy tehsil (revenue unit) in the Chandel District of Manipur near the Indo-Myanmar border. Seven AK-47 rifles, one Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher, one M4 rifle and four single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) rifles, ammunition and other war-like stores were recovered during the operation.
On April 25, 2025, one cadre each from Kanglei Yaol Kanna Lup (KYKL) identified as Oinam Telheiba aka Landaba (36), and the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), identified as Ahanthem Bishan aka Kanglei (29), were killed during an encounter with a combined team of India’s security forces (SFs) at an unspecified location in Manipur, along the Manipur-Myanmar border.
On January 29, 2025, a National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) militant, Jamthang Vaiphei (60), was killed by suspected cadres of KNA-B at Moreh in the Tengnoupal District of Manipur, along the Manipur-Myanmar border. Sources stated that the incident occurred when suspected KNA-B cadres kidnapped the victim, Jamthang Vaiphei, from Salampatong village, on January 25. The KNA-B militants demanded a ransom of INR 500,000 from his family for his release. However, as the ransom amount could not be provided, he was killed.
Between January 27 and 30, 2025, 24 militants were killed during a running gunfight between Manipur based insurgent outfits including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)/ KYKL/United National Liberation Front – Koireng (UNLF-K) and the Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) with KNA-B, in the area of Yaingoupk/Wangli village Border Pillar number 87 in the Kamjong District of Manipur, near the Indo-Myanmar border. 19 KNA-B militants, two unidentified cadres of PLA/KYKL, a PLA cadre identified as self-styled ‘captain’ Henthoiba aka Salam Nganba Meitei (28), one UNLF/ Manipur People’s Army (MPA) militant identified as ‘captain’ Chirom Chiromcha aka Robindro and one KYKL/ Meeyamgi Yawol Lanmee (MYL) cadre identified as Pvt. Moirangthem Sushil aka Athouba (21), were killed during the gunfight. Four PLA/KYKL militants also sustained injuries. Reports indicated that KNA-B militants launched a coordinated attack on a suspected group of PLA and KYKL militants. The attack was carried out from three different directions, prompting an immediate and intense retaliation from the target group. 14 arms as well as ammunition were recovered from the spot.
2025 has already recorded 38 terrorist fatalities in Manipur in five separate incidents, four of which took place near the Indo-Myanmar border resulting in 37 fatalities (data till May 18, 2025). In 2024, there were two such incidents along the Indo-Myanmar border, which resulted in two terrorists’ fatalities. The 2024 incidents included:
June 15, 2024: A self-styled ‘captain’ of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim -Isaac Muivah (NSCN-IM), ‘captain’ R.S. Winson, was ambushed and killed by the KNA-B at Kettha in the Hkamti District of the Sagaing Region of Burma in Myanmar.
May 16, 2024: A KNA-B militant was killed in a gunfight with PLA cadres at Taret Turel in Min Thar of the Sagaing region of Myanmar near the Moirengthel/Maringthel area along the Myanmar border.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, amid intensifying ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The unrest, which initially erupted in May 2023, has claimed over 250 lives and displaced nearly 60,000 people. Despite ongoing efforts to re-establish stability, intermittent episodes of violence continue, particularly in conflict-affected areas such as Churachandpur and sections of the Imphal Valley.
The latest operation conducted by the Assam Rifles along the Indo-Myanmar border highlights the precarious law and order situation in Manipur and underscores the complex challenges confronting security forces in their efforts to restore peace and ensure public safety in a highly volatile environment.
With rising disruption in the Valley region, on March 30, 2025, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA), declared that the Central Government had extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the in the entire State of Manipur as a ‘disturbed area’ for six months, excluding the jurisdictions of 13 Police Stations in five Districts. The excluded Police stations include Imphal, Lamphel, City, Singjamei, Patsoi, Wangoi, Porompat, Heingang, Irilbung, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Nambol, and Kakching.
As of May 2025, the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar has been officially suspended, significantly impacting communities along Manipur’s border. Implemented in 2018 under India’s Act East policy, the FMR permitted residents within 16 km of the border to cross without visas, facilitating cultural and familial ties among ethnic groups like the Kuki-Zo and Nagas. However, escalating ethnic violence in Manipur, prompted the Indian government to revoke the FMR in February 2024, citing concerns over illegal immigration, arms trafficking, and demographic changes.
The suspension has led to widespread discontent among tribal communities in Manipur. Organizations such as the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum and Zo United have protested the decision, arguing that it disrupts longstanding social and familial connections across the border.
In response to security concerns, the Indian government has initiated plans to construct a comprehensive fence along the 1,643-km Indo-Myanmar border, including Manipur’s 390-kilometre stretch. This initiative aims to curb illegal activities and enhance border security. As of January 2, 2025, GoI had completed a 9.214 kilometre-long border fence at Moreh, a strategic town in Manipur, along the Indo-Myanmar border. Additionally, road construction along the fence is underway to improve accessibility and bolster security measures.
On February 24-25, 2025, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations, conducted a two-day visit to Manipur to assess the security dynamics along the Indo-Myanmar border. Emphasizing a ‘whole-of-government approach,’ discussions focused on enhancing border management and strengthening security infrastructure.
The security landscape along the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur has witnessed a significant deterioration in 2025, reflecting a complex interplay of ethnic tensions, insurgent activity, and strategic recalibrations by the Indian Government. With 37 insurgent fatalities recorded in four major encounters in 2025 alone – the region has emerged as a hotspot of militant violence. These incidents have largely involved Myanmar-based groups such as the KNA-B, and Manipur-based groups including the PLA, KYKL, UNLF, and KCP, underscoring the cross-border nature of the threat. Ultimately, the developments in Manipur underscore the urgent need for a balanced strategy – one that ensures territorial integrity and national security, while addressing humanitarian concerns and the socio-political grievances of local populations. Sustained dialogue, inclusive governance, and long-term socio-economic interventions will be critical to restoring peace and stability in Manipur, as well as along the extensive Indo-Myanmar border.
