Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur Police arrested 17 individuals Friday at the Sinai Suspension of Operations camp. A joint force, including the 33 Assam Rifles, the Quick Action Team of the CRPF, and CoBRA, conducted the sweep in Kangpokpi district. The men were not on the official roster of the Kuki National Organisation. They were impersonating eight Kuki National Army members and nine Kuki Liberation Army cadres.
Security forces seized 24 firearms and 38 magazines. They also found explosives, wireless gear, and combat equipment. These seizures followed a major push to stabilize the region after the October 19 Khongbal killings. That attack left three civilians dead and three injured.
Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam initially reported 18 people at the camp during the October 23 operation. One individual was identified as a Kuki National Front cadre, while the other 17 faced formal arrest after their identities failed verification. The minister stated, "The 17 detained individuals would be formally arrested for further investigation, including to establish their organisational affiliations."
Police registered FIR No. 20(10)2026 at YPI Police Station. The charges include violations of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, and the Explosive Substances Act. A court remanded the group to eight days of police custody until October 31. Medical exams are finished.
This raid follows a separate operation at Phailenkot where police arrested three suspected Kuki militants. Two suspects admitted to the Khongbal assault. Security forces recovered 12 firearms, 1,095 rounds of ammunition, and explosives in that linked investigation.
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