Manipur: Joint Forces Arrest 17 for Impersonating SoO Cadres at Sinai Camp, Seize Large Arms Cache
A joint team of Manipur Police, CRPF’s Quick Action Team and CoBRA arrested 17 individuals allegedly posing as registered KNA and KLA cadres at Sinai Camp in Kangpokpi district, recovering 24 firearms, ammunition and other combat equipment.
IMPHAL/KANGPOKPI- In a major security operation, a joint team of Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force’s Quick Action Team (QAT), and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) conducted a verification exercise at Sinai Camp (also referred to as Mt. Sinai Camp), a designated Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp in Kangpokpi district, on October 23, 2026. The action led to the arrest of 17 individuals found impersonating registered SoO cadres and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and combat equipment.
According to an official statement issued by Manipur Police, the camp is linked to the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and its armed wings—the Kuki National Army (KNA) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA). During verification of inmates, security personnel discovered that 17 individuals were using false identities to pose as registered SoO cadres. Of these, eight were impersonating KNA cadres and nine were posing as KLA cadres. All 17 were arrested on the spot.
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According to official statement of Manipur Police The recovered items included 24 firearms (reports specify a mix of AK-series rifles, G3 rifles, Colt AR-15s, an SLR, and Lathode guns among others), 38 magazines, thousands of rounds of ammunition of various calibres, explosives (including Pompi bombs and tube-launching bombs in some accounts), wireless communication sets, and other combat gear. An FIR was registered at Yaingangpokpi Police Station (YPI-PS) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.
Security sources indicated that the camp was designated to house approximately 150–159 registered cadres of the KNA and KLA. However, forces found only one registered cadre present along with the 17 outsiders. Explanations offered for the absence of the remaining cadres—including claims that some had gone home or moved elsewhere—are under verification.
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The operation followed the October 19 killing of three Meitei civilians near Nongshum (or related areas in the Imphal East-Kangpokpi belt) and formed part of intensified security measures in the region. It also comes against the backdrop of the SoO agreement with Kuki groups under the KNO and United People’s Front (UPF), which expired on September 4, 2026, and has not been extended. Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam had earlier stated that the agreement was no longer in force and that security operations would continue without exemption for any faction.
Further investigation is focusing on possible involvement of camp functionaries, the circumstances of the impersonation, the unauthorised possession and control of the recovered arms, and alleged violations of SoO ground rules. Security forces have taken control of the Sinai Camp, and sources indicate plans for audits of other designated SoO camps across the state to verify compliance and cadre presence.
The arrested individuals remain in police custody. Officials have emphasised that the action underscores the commitment to upholding the rule of law and addressing security concerns impartially.
