Imphal: The Myanmar-based Kuki National Army-Burma (KNA-B), the armed wing of the Kuki National Organisation in Myanmar, has denied allegations of involvement in the recent cross-border attacks that devastated several villages in Manipur’s Kamjong district.
In a statement, the outfit rejected claims that its cadres had crossed the India-Myanmar border to carry out the arson attacks, asserting that its activities are confined exclusively to Myanmar.
“Our mandate, objectives and operational commitments are confined exclusively to Myanmar,” the KNA-B said, adding that it has no operational presence or military engagement within Indian territory.
The group noted that it separated its operations from the Indian wing in 2013 to focus on protecting the interests of the Kuki community in Myanmar and resisting the country’s military junta.
The KNA-B also accused the NSCN (Eastern Flank) and certain Meitei separatist groups of repeatedly attempting to implicate the outfit in incidents occurring on the Indian side of the border. It described the allegations as part of a coordinated campaign to tarnish its image.
The clarification comes in the wake of coordinated attacks by suspected militants on villages in Kamjong district, where several houses and refugee camps were set on fire. According to local sources, the attacks affected areas including Kongkan Thana, Sankalok, Choro, Namlee and Wanglee. Armed assailants allegedly targeted Kherongruen and Huimine Thana villages, burning 25 houses and 11 refugee camps and causing property losses estimated to be worth several lakhs of rupees.
The incidents have triggered widespread outrage among local residents. The Ramphoi (Nambisha) Village Authority strongly condemned the attacks and alleged that personnel of the 11 Assam Rifles, whose post is located around 100 metres from the attack site, failed to intervene despite being stationed nearby.
Amid the escalating security situation, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh convened a high-level meeting with representatives of the Khamlang Village Authority at the New Civil Secretariat in Mantripukhri. Following the meeting, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to safeguarding border communities through the implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to strengthen border infrastructure, improve livelihoods and promote inclusive development in frontier areas.
Although the KNA-B has denied any role in the attacks, tensions remain high in the region. Residents have urged both the Central and State governments to strengthen security along the India-Myanmar border, prevent future cross-border incursions, and ensure the safety of civilians living in vulnerable border villages.