Joint Forces Raid SoO Camp in Kangpokpi, 18 Held for Questioning

A joint security operation in Manipur's Kangpokpi district has led to the detention of 18 people, as authorities pursue suspects linked to the killing of three Meitei youths. The operation was confirmed by State Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh on Friday.

The raid targeted a camp set aside for militant groups that have entered into a Suspension of Operations pact with the Centre. Those detained are being questioned as part of the investigation.

The three youths were killed on October 19 in the Sunurok hills of Kangpokpi. In response, a team made up of Cobra commandos, CRPF personnel and Manipur Police raided the Sinai camp in the district and took 18 people into custody.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of a plantation drive at Olympian Park in Imphal, the minister explained that the camp was meant for groups that have signed the SoO agreement. One of the detainees has been identified as a cadre of a Kuki group that is part of the pact. The others remain to be identified.

Singh said the SoO agreement, which ended on September 4, has not been renewed. He also made clear that the search would extend beyond Kuki camps to those run by Meitei and Naga groups. He acknowledged that the hilly terrain presents significant difficulties for security forces.

The government, he said, would remain neutral in enforcing the law and was working to restore normal conditions in the state. Since August 2008, 23 underground outfits from two alliances have been part of the SoO arrangement. Of these, eight belong to the United People's Front and 15 to the Kuki National Organisation.

In a related development, Assam Rifles personnel carried out a search in the Phailengkot area on the border of Kangpokpi and Imphal East. Weapons and ammunition were seized during the search.

A Manipur Police official said the recovered material included a .22 calibre rifle, a CMG with magazine, a Japan-made pistol with magazine and an IED. A large cache of ammunition, magazines and other equipment was also recovered. The search in the area continues.