Imphal: The development comes amid renewed protests across Manipur over the killing of three Meitei civilians on October 19. Security forces have taken control of the Mt Sinai camp in Kangpokpi district, arrested 17 people whose identities allegedly did not match registered cadres and seized 24 firearms.

Security agencies in Manipur have alerted the Centre after an inspection at the Mt Sinai camp in Saimol village, Kangpokpi district, reportedly found only one authorised cadre present out of an expected 159. The whereabouts of the remaining cadres are being investigated, with officials examining whether they have left the camp, moved elsewhere or failed to comply with the rules governing their presence at designated locations.

The camp is associated with Kuki armed groups covered by the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement. The operation was conducted by Manipur Police and central security personnel, including the Central Reserve Police Force's Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA).

Authorities took control of the camp after a prolonged operation that concluded on October 23, according to reports. Seventeen people found at the site were arrested after their identities allegedly failed to match official records. Eight claimed links to the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and its armed wing, the Kuki National Army (KNA), while nine claimed links to the KNO and the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA). Their identities and affiliations are being verified.

24 firearms and ammunition seized

Security forces recovered 24 firearms, including AK-series rifles, G3 rifles, M16 rifles and other weapons. They also seized ammunition, magazines, wireless communication equipment and other items.

Police registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and the Explosive Substances Act. The 17 accused have been remanded to eight days of police custody until October 31. Investigators are examining alleged impersonation, unauthorised possession of weapons and possible violations of the SoO ground rules.

Operation followed killing of three Meitei civilians

The inspection followed the killing of three Meitei men who were reportedly collecting firewood when they were attacked near the Imphal East–Kangpokpi border on October 19. The incident triggered protests and heightened security operations in the region.

Security forces had called on SoO cadres to return to their designated camps within a specified deadline. Officials said the Mt Sinai camp could not be left unattended because weapons were stored there under a double-lock arrangement, with one key held by the group and the other by the government.

The investigation into the 17 arrests is separate from the inquiry into the civilian killings. The available reports do not establish that the 17 people arrested during the camp operation were directly involved in the October 19 attack.

SoO agreement expired in September

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has said the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki armed groups was not renewed after it expired on September 4, 2026.

Signed in 2008, the arrangement covers 25 outfits under the Kuki National Organisation and the United People's Front, with 14 designated camps. Its ground rules require participating cadres to remain within designated camps and restrict their involvement in operations against security forces or civilians.

The latest operation has renewed scrutiny of compliance with those rules. Security agencies are also expected to examine other designated camps to establish whether registered cadres are present and whether weapons and other equipment are being maintained in accordance with the arrangement.

The United People's Front has criticised the operation, with its spokesperson Aaron Kipgen alleging that security forces and the state government are targeting Kuki-Zo groups. The organisation said its leadership would hold an emergency meeting to discuss the developments. These allegations remain the group's position, while authorities continue their investigation.

The reported absence of most of the cadres listed at the Mt Sinai camp raises questions about monitoring, weapons security and compliance with the SoO arrangement. If registered members cannot be accounted for, investigators will need to establish their whereabouts and determine whether any rules were breached.

The recovery of firearms and the arrest of people whose identities allegedly did not match the official records have added to scrutiny of the camp's oversight. However, the arrests alone do not establish who was responsible for the civilian killings or prove wider allegations against any community or organisation.

The issue also comes amid continuing ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur. The handling of the investigation, the status of the expired SoO agreement and the verification of other camps could affect security operations and efforts to prevent further violence.