Seventeen Arrested in Manipur for Impersonating Kuki Armed Group Cadres
Security Operation Leads to Arrests
The seized items included 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat gear.
Imphal, Oct 24: A joint security operation in Manipur led to the arrest of seventeen individuals who were allegedly impersonating registered members of Kuki armed groups. The operation took place at Sinai Camp, where security forces confiscated 24 firearms, explosives, and various military supplies.
This operation was executed on October 23 by the Manipur Police, along with the Quick Action Team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA).
According to law enforcement, these individuals were using false identities to present themselves as members of Kuki armed factions. Eight of them claimed to be part of the Kuki National Army (KNA), while the remaining nine asserted affiliation with the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA). All were apprehended after verification at the camp.
The items seized during the operation included 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a significant amount of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication devices, and other military gear.
A case has been filed at YPI Police Station under FIR No. 20(10)2026, invoking relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.
The suspects have been placed in police custody for eight days, until October 31, and their medical examinations have been conducted.
Authorities indicated that the investigation will focus on the alleged impersonation, unauthorized possession of weapons, potential breaches of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) ground rules, and the possible involvement of camp officials.
However, the police have not clarified the motives behind the use of false identities or whether the individuals were seeking financial or other advantages.
Investigators are also working to determine how the weapons and equipment ended up at the camp.
This operation follows increased scrutiny of Sinai Camp after the killing of three Meitei civilians near Sunurok Hill on October 19, along the boundary of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts.
Khundrakpam MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh was among the first to suggest that the attack may have been orchestrated from the nearby camp, calling for its immediate closure and accountability for those responsible, while questioning local security measures.
Nonetheless, police have not established any direct connection between the arrested individuals and the October 19 incident, as the two matters are being treated separately during the ongoing investigation.
The arrests have reignited concerns regarding the oversight of designated camps under the Suspension of Operations framework.
Manipur's Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam noted that the agreement had lapsed on September 4, 2026, and has not been renewed, emphasizing that the arrangement does not allow for new recruitments.
Investigators are looking into how these individuals came to be at Sinai Camp, whether they had any ties to the armed groups they claimed to represent, and who was in control of the seized weapons and equipment.