Imphal: Security forces in Manipur have taken control of a designated camp for Kuki-Zo militants for the first time since ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023, and will now check all 14 such camps, senior officials said on Saturday.
Joint teams of Manipur Police and central forces, including CRPF and CoBRA units, raided the Sinai camp in Kangpokpi district on Friday and assumed full control on Saturday.
Verification found only one registered cadre against an expected strength of 159, along with 17 others who were not identified as cadres covered by the truce. All 17 were arrested and remanded to police custody until October 31.
Police seized 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat gear. Manipur Police said the 17 were impersonating registered cadres under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact using false identities; a case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and Explosive Substances Act.
Officials said explanations for the absent cadres included claims that some had gone home or were elsewhere; their whereabouts are being verified. Police are investigating the role of camp functionaries, the impersonation, unauthorised possession of arms and breaches of the truce’s ground rules.
The operation followed the October 19 killing of three Meitei civilians near Nongshum. Police have arrested three suspects, two of whom allegedly admitted to taking part. The killings have heightened tensions between the valley-based Meitei and hill-based Kuki-Zo communities, whose conflict since May 2023 has left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.
“The exercise will continue,” a senior security official said, adding that every designated camp would be audited to establish the ground reality. State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said on Friday that operations would be carried out irrespective of community, also covering camps linked to Meitei and Naga groups.
Extending the checks beyond the Nongshum probe will show whether Sinai is isolated or part of wider non-compliance. Officials described the takeover as a departure from the usual inspection and verification mechanism.
The SoO agreement expired on September 4 without renewal, Konthoujam confirmed, suggesting public opposition to its continuation could be behind the delay. A senior official said the expiry does not free cadres to leave, as the pact has not been abrogated; renewal rests with the Centre, but till then cadres and weapons must remain in designated camps.
The Centre, the Manipur government and Kuki-Zo groups signed the agreement in August 2008, building on a 2005 understanding between the Army and Kuki groups. It covers groups under the Kuki National Organisation and the United People’s Front, requiring cadres to avoid violence, stay in designated camps and keep weapons under prescribed security arrangements.
The pact has become increasingly contentious since May 2023. The Manipur Assembly passed a resolution in February 2024 seeking its abrogation, while Meitei and Naga organisations have demanded its end or the closure or relocation of camps, alleging militants covered by the truce have attacked civilians and security forces.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/manipur/manipur-forces-seize-kuki-zo-militant-camp-at-sinai-only-1-of-159-cadres-found/68813/
Category: Manipur,Central Armed Police Forces,Kangpokpi,Manipur Police,militants,Sinai camp
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Publish Date: 2026-10-25 16:23:00
