Manipur security forces arrested 17 suspected militants accused of impersonating registered Kuki cadres and seized over 24 firearms, ammunition and explosives. In a separate operation, security personnel recovered 150 cartons of beer during a boat-checking operation in Jiribam district.
Security forces in Manipur have arrested 17 suspected militants allegedly impersonating registered cadres under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement and seized a large cache of firearms, ammunition, explosives and communication equipment during a joint operation at a designated militant camp.
According to a police official, the operation was conducted on Saturday at Sinai Camp, a designated SoO camp associated with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), Kuki National Army (KNA) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA). The joint team comprised personnel from Manipur Police, the Quick Action Team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA).
During the verification process, security personnel allegedly found that 17 individuals were using false identities to impersonate registered cadres covered under the SoO arrangement. Of those arrested, eight were allegedly impersonating KNA cadres, while the remaining nine were allegedly posing as members of the KLA.
All 17 suspects were taken into custody following the verification exercise. Security personnel also recovered more than 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a substantial quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat-related gear from the camp.
Police subsequently registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 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 to facilitate further investigation. Officials confirmed that their medical examinations had been completed.
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged impersonation, the unauthorised possession of weapons and possible violations of the ground rules governing the SoO arrangement. Authorities are also investigating whether camp functionaries were involved in the alleged activities.
The operation comes amid heightened security concerns in Manipur, where authorities continue efforts to address violence and maintain law and order across the state.
Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh said on Friday that the SoO agreement had expired on September 4 and had not been renewed. He also stated that search operations to apprehend those allegedly involved in the killing of three Meitei men in Kangpokpi district would continue.
The minister clarified that the operations would not be limited to camps associated with Kuki groups. Security forces would also conduct searches at camps linked to outfits associated with Meitei and Naga groups, as part of the broader effort to identify and apprehend those involved in criminal activities.
He further highlighted the operational challenges faced by security personnel in the state’s hill districts, where difficult terrain complicates search operations.
The Suspension of Operations arrangement has covered 23 underground outfits operating under two conglomerates since August 2008. These include eight organisations under the United People’s Front (UPF) and 15 under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO). The arrangement was established between the groups and the Union government.
Separate Operation: 150 Cartons of Beer Seized in Jiribam
In a separate operation on Saturday, security personnel seized 150 cartons of beer cans from a launch boat during a checking exercise at Mahavir Ghat along the Barak River in Manipur’s Jiribam district.
According to police sources, the operation was conducted at approximately 11 am on October 24 following intelligence inputs about the suspected illegal transportation of liquor by boat along the river.
A joint team comprising personnel from Borobekra Police Station, a platoon of the B/20 CRPF Battalion and members of the 38 Assam Rifles carried out the operation under the leadership of Jiribam Additional Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) Th. Karnajit Singh.
During the checking operation, security personnel intercepted a launch boat and recovered 150 cartons of beer cans suspected to have been transported illegally.
During preliminary questioning, the boat owner was identified as Tlana Hmar, 50, son of Zuia Hmar and a resident of Tipaimukh.
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Police sources said arrangements were underway to hand over the seized beer consignment and the individual to the Jiribam Excise Station for further legal proceedings at the time of reporting.
The seizure forms part of continuing efforts by security agencies to curb the unauthorised transportation of liquor and other prohibited activities in the district.
Both operations highlight ongoing enforcement measures by security personnel in Manipur, involving action against alleged militant-related violations and suspected illegal transportation. Further investigations are underway in both cases, and the allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to the legal process.
