Guwahati: Manipur Police arrested 17 Kuki-Zo people allegedly impersonating registered cadres of Kuki militant outfits at a designated camp meant for suspension of operations (SoO) in Kangpokpi district and seized 24 firearms, ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat gear.A joint team of Manipur Police, CRPF’s Quick Action Team and the CoBRA unit raided and took control of the camp, known as Sinai Camp, on Friday. The operation was launched in the aftermath of the Oct 19 killing of three Meitei civilians near Nongshum.The camp was designated to house 159 cadres of Kuki National Army (KNA) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA). However, after the raid, the joint forces found only one registered cadre and 17 outsiders at the camp.“During verification, 17 individuals were found impersonating registered SoO cadres (8 KNA and 9 KLA) using false identities. All 17 were arrested,” police said. The accused were remanded in eight-day police custody.Police said further investigation is under way into the possible involvement of camp functionaries, impersonation, unauthorised possession of arms and violations of the SoO ground rules.A security source said explanations for the absence of the remaining 158 registered cadres — including claims that some had gone home while others had moved elsewhere — were being verified.A security source on Saturday clarified that the tripartite SoO agreement between the Centre, Manipur govt and 25 Kuki-Zo militant outfits under two umbrella groups — KNO and UPF — has not been extended since it lapsed on Sept 4, but has not been abrogated either.“The Centre will decide whether to renew the SoO agreement. However, until it is formally abrogated, cadres and their weapons must remain confined to the designated camps,” the source said.State home minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh on Friday said the SoO agreement had not been extended after its expiry last month.CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh commended Manipur Police, QAT CRPF, CoBRA and Assam Rifles for their coordinated action at Sinai camp. “This operation reaffirms our commitment to upholding the rule of law, enforcing SoO ground rules, and safeguarding peace and security in Manipur. Accountability and justice will remain our priorities,” he added.The recoveries include 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat gear.An FIR was registered at Yaingangpokpi police station in Imphal East under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Arms Act, Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and Explosive Substances Act.
