Manipur's Security Forces Take Charge of Militant Camps Amid Rising Tensions

Security Forces Seize Control of Militant Camps in Manipur

Imphal: In a significant development following the ethnic unrest in Manipur that began in May 2023, security forces have assumed control of a camp designated for Kuki-Zo militants. This action marks the first time such a camp has been taken over since the violence erupted, with plans to assess all 14 similar camps throughout the state, according to high-ranking security officials on Saturday.

The takeover was prompted by the alarming finding that only one of the 159 registered militants was present at the camp, raising serious concerns about adherence to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, which lapsed on September 4 without renewal.

This operation comes shortly after the tragic killing of three Meitei civilians near Nongshum on October 19.

Meitei organizations have long called for the closure or relocation of SoO camps, as well as the termination of the agreement, citing allegations that militants under the truce have attacked both civilians and security personnel.

On Saturday, joint teams from the Manipur Police and Central Armed Police Forces took full control of the Sinai camp located in the Kangpokpi district, following security operations initiated in response to the Nongshum incident.

A senior security official stated, "The raid occurred on Friday, and by Saturday, security forces had completely taken over the camp. This operation will continue, and all designated camps will undergo audits to ascertain the actual situation."

At the Sinai camp, authorities discovered only one registered cadre instead of the expected 159, along with 17 unidentified individuals who were not recognized as part of the agreement. These 17 individuals were arrested on Saturday.

According to the Manipur Police, "All 17 suspects have been remanded to police custody until October 31. Investigations are ongoing regarding the involvement of camp officials, impersonation, unauthorized possession of weapons, and violations of SoO regulations."

During the operation, security forces confiscated 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a substantial amount of ammunition, explosives, communication devices, and other military equipment from the camp.

The senior official noted that explanations for the absence of the registered cadres included claims that some had returned home while others were unaccounted for, emphasizing that a thorough investigation is underway to confirm their locations.

When asked if the expiration of the agreement allowed militants to leave their camps, the official clarified that this would not be allowed, as the arrangement has not been formally revoked.

"The decision to renew the SoO agreement rests with the Centre, but until it is officially abrogated, the cadres and their weapons must remain in the designated camps," the official stated.

This discrepancy raises critical questions about adherence to one of the key stipulations of the SoO agreement, which mandates that militants must stay in designated camps and refrain from violent actions.

The agreement, which was officially signed by the Centre, the Manipur government, and Kuki-Zo militant groups in August 2008, aimed to halt hostilities and foster conditions for a negotiated political resolution while confining armed cadres to specific camps.

Its origins trace back to 2005 when the Indian Army reached an understanding with Kuki militant groups to cease operations against one another.

The pact encompasses Kuki-Zo militant groups under two main organizations: the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF).

Under the agreement's rules, militants are required to avoid violence, remain within designated camps, and secure their weapons according to specified protocols.

This arrangement has been pivotal in the Centre's strategy to address the Kuki-Zo insurgency through dialogue, but its viability has become increasingly contentious since the onset of ethnic violence in May 2023.

In February 2024, the Manipur Assembly passed a resolution advocating for the abrogation of the agreement. Naga organizations have also called for its termination, accusing Kuki-Zo militant groups of engaging in violent acts.

Unlike routine inspections or verification processes, the Sinai operation has placed a militant camp directly under security forces' control, representing a notable shift from the monitoring framework established by the truce.

The decision to extend verification to all designated camps broadens the scope of the operation beyond the investigation into the Nongshum killings.

The statewide audit is anticipated to determine whether the significant discrepancy observed at Sinai is an isolated incident or indicative of a broader failure to comply with the truce.

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated on Friday that the SoO agreement expired on September 4 and has not been renewed, suggesting that public opposition to its continuation may have contributed to the delay.

The recent killings near Nongshum have intensified tensions between the predominantly valley-based Meitei and hill-based Kuki-Zo communities, whose conflict since May 2023 has resulted in numerous fatalities and displacements.

Police have apprehended three suspects linked to the killings, with two reportedly admitting to their involvement in the attack, according to officials.

Konthoujam emphasized on Friday that security operations would persist regardless of community affiliations and would encompass camps associated with Kuki, Meitei, and Naga groups.