Sinai is a designated camp under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement. 17 men allegedly impersonating registered cadres of Kuki armed groups were arrested during a joint security operation at Sinai Camp in Manipur. Security personnel also seized 24 firearms, explosives, ammunition and communication equipment, police said.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and the Explosive Substances Act. The police statement did not disclose why the accused allegedly used false identities or establish whether they were seeking financial or other benefits. The killings triggered protests and renewed demands for the removal of the camp, amid concerns that the incident could reignite tensions between Meitei and Kuki communities. The arrests at Sinai Camp, however, should be distinguished from the investigation into the civilian killings.
The October 23 operation by Manipur Police, the Quick Action Team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and CoBRA has brought the camp under renewed scrutiny amid mounting demands for accountability following the October 19 killing of three Meitei civilians near Sunurok Hill along the Imphal East–Kangpokpi district boundary. The 17 arrested allegedly used false identities to pose as registered cadres—eight as members of the Kuki National Army (KNA) and nine as members of the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), according to police. All 17 were arrested following verification at the camp. The accused have been remanded to eight days of police custody until October 31, and their medical examinations have been completed. Police have not established any direct link between the 17 individuals arrested during the camp operation and the October 19 attack.
Police said the investigation would examine the alleged impersonation, unauthorised possession of arms, possible violations of SoO ground rules and the potential involvement of camp functionaries.
