Churachandpur, June 30, 2025: In a shocking incident that underscores escalating internal conflicts within Kuki armed factions, Thangboi Haokip - popularly known as Thahpi - Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Kuki National Organisation/Kuki National Army (KNO/KNA), was shot dead along with two of his bodyguards on Monday afternoon in Churachandpur district.
According to local sources, the ambush took place around 2 PM between Mongjang and Singlun villages. The trio was travelling in a Hyundai Creta when unidentified assailants opened fire at close range. A woman passerby was also fatally struck by a stray bullet during the attack.
Disturbing visuals shared on social media show three male bodies slumped inside a vehicle and the woman’s body lying on the roadside.
Shortly after the killings, the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) claimed responsibility through a press release, stating that the group had "punished" Thahpi and his associates. The statement further alleged that Thahpi was responsible for the killings of UKNA Public Relations Officer Satkhohao, another youth identified as Tamin Hunter, and as many as 30 others.
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The attack is believed to be a targeted revenge killing, highlighting deep fractures among Kuki militant groups operating in the region. The incident has sparked tension in Churachandpur, though no official statement from law enforcement has been released as of filing this report.
