Security forces arrested 17 people at a Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp in Manipur after finding them allegedly operating under false identities as registered cadres. The joint operation on October 23 also led to the recovery of 24 firearms, magazines, ammunition, explosives and other combat gear.
The operation was carried out at Sinai Camp, a designated SoO facility used by the Kuki National Organisation/Kuki National Army (KNO/KNA) and the KNO/Kuki Liberation Army (KLA). It was conducted jointly by Manipur Police, the Quick Action Team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA).
17 found impersonating registered cadres
Officials said verification checks showed that 17 people inside the camp were impersonating registered SoO cadres using fabricated identities. Of them, 8 were linked to the KNA and 9 to the KLA, officials said. All 17 were taken into custody at the scene.
Arms, ammunition and equipment seized
A search of the premises yielded 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication devices and other combat supplies, officials said.
Case registered, accused remanded to custody
A case has been registered at Yairipok Police Station (FIR No. 20(10)2026) under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
The 17 accused were produced before a local court and remanded to eight days of police custody until October 31, 2026, after their mandatory medical examinations.
Investigators are now probing possible violations of SoO ground rules, the origins of the unauthorised weapons cache, and whether camp functionaries helped facilitate the infiltration and impersonation, officials said.
