Security Forces Arrest 3 in Tronglaobi Blast Case; UKNA Denies Any Link, Calls Claims “False and Baseless”

Security forces have arrested three suspected cadres linked to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) during a series of operations launched in the aftermath of the recent violence in Tronglaobi, Bishnupur district.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Jampao Kuki, Sasang, and Paulallem Vaiphei. According to officials, the operation was carried out in areas surrounding Churachandpur district, leading to the recovery of a cache of arms, ammunition, and narcotics.

Items seized during the operation include: One AK-47 rifle with a magazine and 25 rounds of ammunition, One pistol with two magazines and 15 rounds, Cash amounting to ₹20,100, Two sacks of suspected raw opium weighing approximately 21.19 kg

In a separate operation in the Molphei Tampak area of Churachandpur, security forces recovered additional weapons and explosives, including One MP-9 automatic rifle, One pistol with a magazine, Two lethode tubes, One locally made cannon (“Pumpi”) and Five 70mm cartridges.

Meanwhile, the United Kuki National Army has strongly denied any involvement in the recent attack on civilians at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district. In a statement, the group termed the allegations “entirely unfounded” and accused certain sections of the media of attempting to wrongly attribute blame.

The organization also rejected reports claiming that the three arrested individuals are its members, calling such assertions “false and baseless.” It urged both the media and authorities to act responsibly and avoid premature conclusions, warning that misinformation could further aggravate tensions in the already sensitive region.