Security forces have arrested Thangkhomang Haokip, the alleged commander-in-chief of the banned United Kuki National Army (UKNA), in Mizoram’s capital Aizawl. The arrest took place on Thursday during a joint operation by the Assam Rifles and the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB).

Aizawl Superintendent of Police Zosangliana confirmed the arrest. Zosangliana told PTI that Hoakip was arrested during an operation by a joint team of Assam Rifles and the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB). Haokip is accused of involvement in several crimes in Manipur.

An official of a central intelligence agency said a search is underway for other cadres of the banned militant group. The cadres are reportedly hiding in Aizawl. Security forces are continuing their operation to trace members of the outfit in the city.

The UKNA is not a signatory to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact between the Centre, the Manipur government and several Kuki and Zomi militant groups. Officials in Imphal said the group is mainly active in the hill districts of Manipur.

The outfit has a presence in Churachandpur district, particularly in its Henglep sub-division, officials said. The UKNA remains outside the peace framework covered by the SoO agreement signed with several other Kuki and Zomi militant groups.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had in August arrested S Palal Thadou, the self-styled finance head of the proscribed UKNA. His arrest was linked to the April 7 IED blast in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, which killed two children.

The NIA action came as security agencies continued their investigation into the activities of the banned outfit and its members. Thadou’s arrest was part of the probe into the Bishnupur blast.

The latest arrest comes amid the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur between the valley-based Meitei and hill-based Kuki communities. The violence began in May 2023 and has claimed at least 306 lives. Another 49 people remain missing, while thousands have been left homeless.

Security agencies are now searching for other UKNA cadres reportedly staying in Aizawl. The operation follows Haokip’s arrest and comes as authorities continue to investigate the outfit’s activities in Manipur and neighbouring areas.