Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Sinai Camp in Kangpokpi district on October 25, 2026, following a security operation that uncovered suspected impersonators and seized weapons, ammunition and explosives, as he called for an end to gun culture and urged security forces to protect civilians.
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited Sinai Camp in Kangpokpi district after security forces disarmed the facility and took control of it.
- A joint operation uncovered 17 individuals allegedly posing as registered Suspension of Operations cadres and led to the seizure of firearms, ammunition, explosives and communication equipment.
- The Chief Minister urged people to surrender illegal weapons and directed security personnel to protect civilians and their property during operations.
Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday stressed that the state could not achieve lasting peace or meaningful development while gun culture continued. He urged people to reject violence, surrender illegal weapons and work together to restore peace and harmony.
His appeal came during a visit to Sinai Camp in Kangpokpi district. The CRPF had disarmed the camp and taken control of it the previous week following a joint operation with Manipur Police and other security agencies.
The visit marked the first time a sitting Manipur Chief Minister had visited a designated camp under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement.
Security Operation Leads to Seizure of Weapons
The CRPF’s Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), Manipur Police and other security agencies jointly conducted the operation at Sinai Camp.
The action followed the killing of three firewood collectors at Nongshum, an area under the joint jurisdiction of Kangpokpi and Imphal East districts. The incident prompted security forces to launch the operation at the camp.
During the search, security personnel found 17 individuals who allegedly used false identities to pose as registered SoO cadres. The operation also led to the recovery and seizure of more than 24 firearms and 38 magazines.
Security forces seized a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat gear. The camp was originally intended to accommodate around 150 cadres.
Sinai Camp Designated for Two Kuki Outfits
Sinai Camp had served as a designated camp for the Kuki National Army (KNA) and the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA). Both outfits fall under the SoO arrangement signed with the Central Government in August 2008.
The agreement covers underground groups operating under two umbrella organisations. These include eight outfits affiliated with the United People’s Front (UPF) and 15 under the Kuki National Organisation (KNO).
In total, 23 underground outfits have been covered by the arrangement since August 2008.
Chief Minister Reviews Camp, Security Situation
Government spokesperson and Heirok MLA Thokchom Radheshyam Singh accompanied Khemchand Singh during the visit.
After arriving at Sinai Camp, the Chief Minister inspected the entire premises. CRPF and Assam Rifles officers briefed him on the operation and the prevailing law-and-order situation in the area.
Khemchand Singh interacted with senior security officers and personnel. He praised the CRPF’s CoBRA Battalion for its courage and determination, highlighting its leading role in the operation that enabled security forces to take complete control of the camp.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need for caution during search and combing operations. He directed security personnel to ensure that innocent civilians did not suffer during such actions.
He reminded the forces that protecting people’s lives and property remained their primary responsibility.
Civil Society Representatives, Villagers Meet CM
Following his inspection of the camp, Khemchand Singh interacted with representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) and local villagers.
Several senior officials from the CRPF, Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and district administration accompanied or attended the visit.
Those present included CRPF Inspector General for the Manipur and Nagaland Sector Homkar Amol Vinukant, Manipur Police Inspector General Kamei Angam Romanus, Manipur Police DIG N. Herojit Meetei and CRPF DIG Rajesh Kumar.
Colonel Radha Krishnan of the Assam Rifles, the Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendents of Police of Kangpokpi and Imphal East districts, and other senior officers from security agencies also attended.
The Chief Minister’s appeal focused on ending violence, removing illegal weapons from circulation and building conditions for lasting peace. He also underscored the need for security operations to protect innocent residents while authorities address security concerns in the state. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)