IMPORTANT NOTE! This covers an ongoing crisis, and the situation can change at any time. The groups have not taken any responsibility officially.
The Kuki National Army or KNA is split into numerous battalions. Among them, the 2nd Battalion (based at Camp Salem) and the 3rd battalion (based at Camp Sinai) are the most active in propaganda releases.
What is known
- According to news reports, militants with red ribbons on their firearms killed three civilians of the Meitei community at Khamenlok, sparking unrest.
Differences between the battalions
- The Second Battalion at Camp Salem wears clear insignia and uniforms:
Notice the clear "KUKI ARMY" badges and patch.
-
Meanwhile the Third Battalion based at Camp Sinai makes heavy use of red ribbons on various firearms, to the extent that one propaganda video identifies themselves as "RED RIBBON KUKI". Notably, a light machine gun is seen.
-
In another propaganda video, cadres from Camp Sinai have the same ribbon style.
Although the red ribbon is not a good proof that it is the KNA's 3rd battalion, the presence of the same style in both propaganda releases and local reporting means the militants are likely trained by, aligned with or a part of the insurgent groups.
This also comes after a media report confirming that the camp is harboring illegal fighters outside of the list of approved cadres.
Implications
The attacks at Khamenlok were not perpetrated by a mob or volunteers. It bears clear marks through similar insignia and advanced weaponry, including automatic rifles and heavy equipment. They were likely trained by or are a part of insurgent groups like the Kuki National Army (KNA), specifically mirroring the tactics of the Third Battalion. This comes in the backdrop of a recent finding by police, specifically the presence of 17 people outside the approved cadre list and the absence of catalogued ammunition at the camp.