IMPHAL, October 25, 2026: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has urged people to surrender illegal weapons and reject violence, saying the state cannot achieve lasting peace as long as gun culture persists.
The Chief Minister made the appeal during a visit to Sinai Camp, a designated camp under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement in Kangpokpi district, on October 25. He was accompanied by MLA Thokchom Radheshyam Singh and senior security and district officials.
In a post on his official social media account, Singh said he visited the camp, which is currently occupied by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), to assess the prevailing security situation.
He reiterated that the safety of every citizen remains a priority and that there would be no compromise on the rule of law. He also thanked security personnel and local residents for their cooperation in efforts to restore peace and stability in Manipur.
The visit comes days after security forces took control of Sinai Camp and arrested 17 individuals who allegedly posed as registered cadres of armed groups covered by the SoO arrangement.
Sinai Camp Operation: 17 Arrested Over Alleged Impersonation
According to Manipur Police, a joint security team carried out a verification exercise at Sinai Camp in Kangpokpi district following heightened security measures in the area.
The operation involved Manipur Police, the CRPF’s Quick Action Team, the CRPF’s Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and other security personnel.
During the verification process, 17 individuals were allegedly found using false identities to pose as registered cadres of the Kuki National Army (KNA) and the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA).
Police said eight of the individuals allegedly impersonated KNA cadres, while nine allegedly posed as KLA cadres. All 17 were arrested.
Security forces also seized 24 firearms, 38 magazines, ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat-related items, according to police information reported by news outlets.
An FIR was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
The arrested individuals were remanded to eight days of police custody until October 31, according to India Today NE’s report published on October 25.
The allegations against them remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.
Questions Over the Presence of Registered Cadres
The operation has raised questions about the actual number of registered cadres present at the camp and compliance with the conditions governing designated SoO facilities.
Reports citing security officials said the camp was expected to accommodate approximately 150 to 159 registered cadres, but only one authorised cadre was reportedly found during the verification exercise, alongside the 17 individuals subsequently arrested.
Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the absence of the other registered cadres. Explanations that some may have gone home or moved elsewhere are being verified.
Investigators are also looking into the alleged impersonation, unauthorised possession of weapons, possible involvement of camp functionaries and potential violations of the SoO ground rules.
The findings of the investigation will be important in determining whether the discrepancies at Sinai Camp reflect an isolated incident or wider compliance problems.
Why the Chief Minister Visited Sinai Camp
The Chief Minister’s visit followed the killing of three civilians who were collecting firewood near Nongshum in the Imphal East district area on October 19.
The killings triggered security operations and renewed concerns over the law and order situation along the sensitive Imphal East–Kangpokpi belt.
The state government and security agencies have since intensified efforts to investigate the incident, apprehend suspects and prevent further violence.
Against this backdrop, Singh visited Sinai Camp to assess the security situation and interact with personnel deployed there.
He commended the CRPF’s CoBRA unit for its role in the operation that resulted in security forces taking control of the camp.
The Chief Minister also stressed that security operations must be conducted carefully to ensure innocent civilians are not affected during search and combing exercises.
His message underlined the need to enforce the law while protecting the lives and property of ordinary citizens.
Security Forces Plan Checks at Other SoO Camps
The developments at Sinai Camp have prompted plans for verification exercises at other designated SoO camps across Manipur.
Security officials said the proposed checks would help establish the actual number of registered cadres at these facilities and determine whether the prescribed conditions are being followed.
The SoO framework was established to suspend hostilities and facilitate dialogue between the government and participating armed groups. Its ground rules regulate the activities of participating cadres, including their presence at designated camps and the handling of weapons.
The agreement involving the Centre, the Manipur government and Kuki-Zo armed groups expired on September 4, 2026, and had not been renewed as of October 25, according to reports citing government and security sources.
However, officials have distinguished the expiry of the agreement from its formal abrogation. The future of the arrangement and the applicable requirements for designated camps remain matters for the authorities to address.
The proposed inspections are expected to provide a clearer picture of compliance across the designated facilities.
CM Appeals for Cooperation to Restore Peace
Following his inspection, Singh also interacted with civil society representatives and villagers in the area.
He expressed gratitude to security personnel and local residents for their cooperation and reiterated the need for collective efforts to restore peace and stability.
His appeal to surrender illegal weapons comes amid continuing efforts to improve security, investigate violent incidents and rebuild confidence among communities affected by Manipur’s prolonged conflict.
The investigation into the Sinai Camp operation, along with the proposed checks at other designated camps, is likely to remain an important part of the state’s security agenda.
For Manipur, the immediate challenge is to establish accountability, prevent further violence and ensure that security measures protect civilians while upholding the rule of law.
Source: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s official social media statements; Manipur Police information reported by India Today NE and other news outlets.
