Imphal, Oct 24: Seventeen individuals allegedly posing as registered cadres of Kuki armed groups were arrested during a joint security operation at Sinai Camp in Manipur, with security personnel seizing 24 firearms, explosives and war-like stores from the designated camp.
The operation was conducted on October 23 by Manipur Police, the Quick Action Team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA).
According to police, the 17 individuals allegedly used false identities to pose as registered cadres of Kuki armed groups.
Eight claimed affiliation with the Kuki National Army (KNA), while nine claimed to belong to the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA). All 17 were arrested following verification at the camp.
The seized items included 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat gear.
A case has been registered at YPI Police Station under FIR No. 20(10)2026 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
The accused have been remanded to eight days of police custody until October 31, and their medical examinations have been completed.
Police said the investigation would examine the alleged impersonation, unauthorised possession of arms, possible violations of SoO ground rules and the potential involvement of camp functionaries.
The police statement did not specify why the individuals allegedly used false identities or establish whether they were seeking financial or other benefits.
Investigators have also yet to establish the circumstances in which the weapons and other equipment were kept at the camp.
The operation comes amid heightened scrutiny of Sinai Camp following the October 19 killing of three Meitei civilians near Sunurok Hill along the Imphal East–Kangpokpi district boundary.
Khundrakpam MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh was among the first to raise the possibility that the attack had been planned and carried out from the nearby camp.
He called for its immediate removal and action against those responsible, while questioning the security arrangements in the area.
However, police have not established any direct link between the 17 individuals arrested during the October 23 operation and the October 19 killings. The two developments remain distinct as the investigation continues.
The arrests have also renewed questions about the oversight of designated camps under the Suspension of Operations arrangement.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has said the agreement expired on September 4, 2026, and had not been renewed. He has also stated that the arrangement does not permit fresh recruitment.
Investigators are examining how the 17 individuals allegedly came to be present at Sinai Camp, whether they had links to the armed groups they claimed to represent, and who controlled the weapons and other equipment seized during the operation.