Manipur CM warns gun culture blocks peace after CRPF seizes Sinai Camp

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand toured Sinai Camp, a designated SoO camp for Kuki National Army and Kuki one outlet Army members, after it was taken over by a joint force of the CRPF’s CoBRA unit, Manipur Police and Assam Rifles. He lauded the security personnel’s bravery and stressed that any lasting peace requires ending the prevailing gun culture and safeguarding civilians during combing operations. The operation followed the murder of three Meitei firewood collectors in Sunulok, prompting a crackdown that uncovered 17 impostors using false identities among the camp’s occupants, which was meant for about 150 cadres.

Khemchand appealed to residents to abandon violence, surrender illegal arms and cooperate to restore harmony. Senior officials, including IG Homkar Amol Vinukant and DIGs Kamei Angam Romanus and N. Herojit Meetei, were present, and the chief minister also met local CSOs and villagers. The SoO pact, first signed in 2008 and renewed in 2025, has since expired, with the Home Minister confirming no further extension.