Key UKNA cadre arrested in Manipur joint operation

In a major breakthrough for anti-insurgency operations in Manipur, a joint team of the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police apprehended a high-ranking United Kuki National Army (UKNA) cadre from Molnom village in Churachandpur district on Thursday.

The apprehended individual, identified by police as 45-year-old S Palal Thadou, alias Lalboi Singson, was reportedly serving as the self-styled finance secretary of the outlawed outfit. Officials described him as a “high-value target” who was actively involved in firing incidents and managing large-scale extortion operations carried out by the UKNA across the region.

Acting on precise intelligence regarding his presence in Molnom village, security forces cordoned off the area in a swift, coordinated operation and took him into custody. Incriminating materials, including extortion notes and a mobile phone, were recovered from his possession.

A defence spokesperson stated that the successful joint operation marks a significant setback to insurgent activities in the district and will contribute substantially toward restoring peace and stability in the region.