Tensions rose in Chandel district on Friday as the United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF) issued a warning to Manipur Police following a late-night operation to apprehend one of its leaders. The UKLF, a group operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, condemned the raid, claiming it violated trust and the spirit of the agreement.
The alleged raid, reportedly carried out by Chandel SP Dharmendra Kumar at the residence of a UKLF leader in the Sajik Tampak area on Wednesday, has drawn strong criticism from the outfit. In a statement, the UKLF said it would not remain a “mute spectator” if such actions continue. The group emphasized that it has been abiding by the SoO ground rules and working toward a political solution for the Kuki-Zo community.
On the other hand, police maintained that the operation was aimed at apprehending a suspected drug kingpin based on credible intelligence. “On Wednesday, acting on credible intelligence, Chandel District Police conducted an operation in T Kotlen village in Sajik Tampak area to apprehend a suspected drug kingpin. However, the person managed to escape,” police said. 
Police added that while returning from the operation, their team was confronted by a mob. The situation was eventually resolved peacefully through dialogue with local leaders, with support from the Assam Rifles and other Central Armed Police Forces, allowing the team to return safely.
