Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday visited the recently disarmed Sinai camp in Kangpokpi district, to inspect a designated Suspension of Operations (SoO) facility.
The camp, located in Saikul sub-division, was previously associated with the Kuki National Army (KNA) and the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA). It is now under the control of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) following a joint operation by security agencies.
The operation, involving the CRPF’s CoBRA unit, Manipur Police and other security personnel, was launched following the killing of three firewood collectors at Nongshum in Imphal East district.
During the operation, security forces reportedly found 17 individuals at the camp who were allegedly impersonating registered cadres using false identities. The facility was designated to accommodate around 150 militants, according to the account provided.
Accompanied by government spokesperson and Heirok MLA Th. Radheshyam, along with senior security and district officials, the Chief Minister inspected the camp and reviewed the security situation in the area. Commanders from the CRPF and Assam Rifles briefed the delegation on the operation and the prevailing law-and-order situation in the sub-division.
In a statement shared on social media, Singh said public safety remained the government’s foremost priority and asserted that the rule of law would be upheld. He also thanked local residents and security personnel for their cooperation, reiterating the government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability.
The Chief Minister called for an end to the culture of gun violence in the region, stating that development and sustainable peace could not be achieved while illegal weapons continued to pose a threat.
He commended the CoBRA personnel for their role in the operation and urged security forces to exercise caution during ongoing search operations to avoid civilian casualties.
Singh also met local residents and representatives of civil society organisations to discuss security concerns and encourage greater cooperation between communities and the administration.