Guwahati: Security forces have arrested 17 individuals for allegedly impersonating registered cadres of armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement in Manipur, following a joint operation at a designated camp on October 23.
The operation was conducted by Manipur Police, the Quick Action Team (QAT) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) at Sinai Camp, a designated SoO camp associated with the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), Kuki National Army (KNA) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA).
During verification, the security personnel found 17 individuals allegedly using false identities to impersonate registered SoO cadres. Of them, eight were identified as allegedly impersonating KNA cadres and nine as KLA cadres. All 17 were arrested.
The operation also led to the seizure of 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat-related items.
Following the arrests, an FIR was registered at YPI Police Station under No. 20(10)2026. The case invokes relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act and the Explosive Substances Act.
All 17 accused have been remanded to eight days of police custody until October 31, 2026. Their medical examinations have also been completed, according to the information provided by the authorities.
Further investigation is underway to establish whether camp functionaries were involved, determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged impersonation and examine possible violations of SoO ground rules, including the unauthorised possession of weapons.