Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Sinai Camp in Khongbal Kuki village of Kangpokpi district on Sunday, days after security forces took control of the camp and arrested 17 individuals for allegedly impersonating cadres registered under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement using fake identities.
During the visit, the Chief Minister interacted with security personnel deployed at the camp and commended them for their efforts. MLA Thokchom Radheshyam Singh accompanied him during the visit.
According to Manipur Police, a joint operation involving the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), CoBRA personnel and other security agencies was conducted at Sinai Camp, a designated SoO facility linked to the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and its armed wings, the Kuki National Army (KNA) and the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA).
Security forces cordoned off and searched the camp before taking control of the premises. A total of 18 individuals were detained for verification.
During the verification process, 17 of those detained were allegedly found to be posing as registered SoO cadres using false identities. Among them, eight claimed affiliation with the KNA, while nine claimed links with the KLA. All 17 were arrested on Saturday.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat-related materials.
An FIR has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
The 17 accused have been remanded to eight days of police custody until October 31, and their medical examinations have been completed.
Police said investigations are continuing to determine the role of camp functionaries, examine the alleged impersonation, probe the unauthorized possession of arms and assess possible violations of the SoO ground rules.
