Manipur Police arrested 17 militants impersonating SoO cadres at Sinai SoO camp, seizing 24 firearms and explosives as investigations into the Sunulok Hill killings continue.
Imphal, Oct. 24: Manipur Police have arrested 17 individuals found allegedly impersonating registered cadres of the Kuki National Army (KNA) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) during a joint security operation at Sinai Camp, a designated Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp, on October 23. Security personnel seized 24 firearms, magazines, ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat-related items during the operation.
The arrests followed intensified security operations in and around S Phailengkot and Sinai Camp after three Meetei civilians were killed and three others injured in an armed attack at Sunulok Hill on October 19. The latest arrests and weapons seizure add to the ongoing investigation into the killings and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and explosives from the surrounding area.
According to Manipur Police, the October 23 operation was jointly conducted by the state police, the Quick Action Team (QAT) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA).
During verification at Sinai Camp, 17 individuals were found allegedly using false identities to pose as registered SoO cadres. Of those arrested, eight were identified as allegedly impersonating KNA cadres and nine as allegedly impersonating KLA cadres, police said.
The arrests have raised further questions about the identities of individuals staying at designated camps and the implementation of ground rules governing armed groups covered by the SoO arrangement.
24 Firearms Seized, FIR Registered
Police said the latest operation resulted in the seizure of 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat gear.
An FIR, numbered 20(10)2026 YPI-PS, has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
All 17 accused have been remanded to eight days of police custody until October 31. Their medical examinations have been completed, according to the police statement.
Investigators are examining whether camp functionaries were involved, alongside the alleged impersonation, unauthorised possession of weapons and possible violations of SoO ground rules.
Operations Follow Sunulok Hill Killings
The operation at Sinai Camp follows the October 19 ambush at Sunulok Hill, where three Meetei civilians collecting firewood were killed and three others injured.
The victims were among a group of villagers targeted by unidentified armed assailants. The killings triggered protests in Imphal, with demonstrators bringing two of the victims' bodies to the vicinity of the Chief Minister's residence and demanding action against those responsible. Security forces subsequently intensified search operations in the affected areas.
Manipur Police announced on October 20 that three individuals had been arrested in connection with the attack. They were apprehended from the Khongbal Tangkhul village area in Imphal East district, including locations in and around Phailengkot.
According to the police account, two of the three arrested individuals allegedly admitted to involvement in the attack during preliminary interrogation. The role of the third individual and the involvement of others remained under investigation.
Separate Weapons Recovery at S Phailengkot
The search operations at S Phailengkot and adjoining areas also led to the recovery of a substantial weapons cache on October 20.
Manipur Police reported the seizure of 12 firearms and launchers, including INSAS, M16 and AK-series rifles, a 7.62 mm sniper rifle, a Heckler & Koch rifle, three 12-bore single-barrel guns, a Lathode gun and a handmade rocket launcher.
The recovered items also included 1,095 rounds of ammunition, explosives, grenades, handmade mortars, detonators, radio sets, magazines, helmets and uniforms. Police said the recovery was made based on information obtained from the arrested individuals.
The weapons recovered at S Phailengkot and those seized during the subsequent Sinai Camp operation represent separate reported seizures. Investigators are continuing to establish whether there are links between the weapons, ammunition and individuals involved in the two operations.
SoO Camps Under Scrutiny
Sinai Camp, located near Semol village in Kangpokpi district, is a designated camp associated with KNO-linked KNA and KLA cadres under the Suspension of Operations arrangement.
On October 23, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said that 18 people had been found inside the camp during the security operation. At that stage, one person had been identified as a cadre, while the identities of the remaining 17 were being examined. He said the 17 would be arrested and questioned.
The subsequent Manipur Police statement confirmed the arrest of all 17 after verification allegedly established that they had used false identities to pose as registered cadres.
Govindas Konthoujam also stated that the SoO agreement had expired on September 4, 2026, and that it did not provide for fresh recruitment. He said search operations would continue to identify those involved in killings and other acts of violence, while instructing security personnel to avoid excesses during the operations.
The investigation into the Sunulok Hill killings and the latest arrests at Sinai Camp are continuing. Police have yet to establish publicly whether camp functionaries were involved in the alleged impersonation or whether the latest seizures are directly connected to the October 19 attack.
