Imphal, Oct 24: Security forces arrested 17 individuals allegedly impersonating registered Suspension of Operations (SoO) cadres and seized 24 firearms, ammunition and other combat equipment during a joint operation at Sinai Camp in Manipur on October 23.
The operation was conducted by the Manipur Police, Quick Action Team (QAT) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and CoBRA units during a verification exercise at the camp.
According to the incident report, eight of the arrested individuals allegedly posed as cadres of the Kuki National Army (KNA), while nine falsely claimed affiliation with the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA).
Security forces recovered 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of live ammunition, explosive materials, wireless communication sets and other combat gear from the site.
Former Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh appreciated the action taken by the security forces, stressing that the law must be enforced firmly and impartially, irrespective of community or affiliation.
“I have always maintained that the law must be enforced firmly and impartially, irrespective of community or affiliation. There can be no selective approach when it comes to maintaining peace and upholding the rule of law,” Singh said.
Sinai Camp Operation (23/10/2026)
On 23/10/2026, a joint operation by Manipur Police, QAT CRPF and CoBRA was conducted at Sinai Camp, a designated SoO camp of KNO/KNA and KNO/KLA.
During verification, 17 individuals were found impersonating registered SoO cadres (8 KNA and 9 KLA) using false identities. All 17 were arrested.
Seizures: 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat gear.
Accordingly, FIR No. 20(10)2026 YPI-PS was registered under relevant provisions of the BNS, Arms Act, Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and Explosive Substances Act.
All 17 accused have been remanded to 08 days’ police custody till 31/10/2026. Their medical examinations have been completed.
Further investigation is underway regarding the involvement of camp functionaries, impersonation, unauthorised possession of arms and violations of SoO ground rules.
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) October 24, 2026
Sinai Camp is a designated SoO location for cadres of the Kuki National Organisation/Kuki National Army (KNO/KNA) and Kuki Liberation Army (KNO/KLA). Camps operating under the SoO framework are subject to prescribed ground rules and verification procedures aimed at preventing unauthorised possession of weapons, entry of unverified individuals and violations that could threaten peace in the region.
An FIR (No. 20(10)2026 YPI-PS) has been registered in connection with the case. Charges have been invoked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
After mandatory medical examinations, all 17 accused were produced before a court and remanded to eight days of police custody until October 31.
The investigation is underway to establish how the individuals allegedly obtained false identities, trace the origin and intended use of the seized weapons and combat materials, and determine whether any camp functionaries were involved. Investigators are also examining possible violations of the SoO ground rules.
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