There have been longstanding demands by Meitei organisations for the closure or relocation of SoO camps and the abrogation of the agreement, amid allegations that militants covered by the truce have attacked civilians and security forces.
Joint teams of Manipur Police and the Central Armed Police Forces took complete charge of Sinai in Kangpokpi district on Saturday following security operations launched in the aftermath of the Nongshum killings, the officials said.
For the first time since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023, security forces have taken control of a camp meant to house Kuki-Zo militants under a nearly two-decade-old truce and plan to audit all 14 such camps across the state.
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| File snap : 2023 |
This rare takeover followed the discovery that only one of the 159 registered cadres was present at the camp, raising questions about compliance with the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, which expired on September 4 without renewal.
The move also comes days after the October 19 killing of three Meitei civilians near Nongshum.
The raid was carried out on Friday and security forces took complete control of the camp on Saturday. The exercise will continue. All the designated camps will be audited to find out the ground reality.
At Sinai, security personnel found only one registered cadre against an "expected strength of 159", along with 17 people who were not identified as cadres covered by the agreement. The 17 were arrested on Saturday, the official said.
"All 17 accused have been remanded to eight police custody till October 31. Further investigation is underway regarding the involvement of camp functionaries, impersonation, unauthorised possession of arms and violations of SoO ground rules," Manipur Police said in a statement on Saturday.
The forces seized 24 firearms, 38 magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, explosives, wireless communication equipment and other combat gear from the camp, the statement added.
Asked whether the agreement's expiry meant militants could now leave their camps, the senior security official said this would not be permitted because the arrangement had not been abrogated either.
"The decision on whether or not the SoO agreement should be renewed lies with the Centre, but as long as it is not abrogated, the cadres and their weapons must remain in the designated camps," the official said.
The discrepancy raises questions about compliance with one of the central conditions of the SoO agreement - that militants covered by it must remain in designated camps and refrain from violence.
The agreement, formally signed by the Centre, the Manipur government and Kuki-Zo militant groups in August 2008, was intended to suspend hostilities and create conditions for a negotiated political settlement while keeping armed cadres confined to designated camps.
Its origins date back to 2005, when the Indian Army reached an understanding with Kuki militant groups to suspend operations against each other. The pact covers Kuki-Zo militant groups under two umbrella organisations - the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People's Front (UPF).
Under its ground rules, cadres are required to refrain from violence, remain in designated camps and keep their weapons under prescribed security arrangements. The arrangement has been central to the Centre's efforts to address Kuki-Zo insurgency through negotiations, but its continuation has become increasingly contentious since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.
In February 2024, the Manipur Assembly adopted a resolution seeking abrogation of the agreement. Naga organisations have also demanded its termination, accusing Kuki-Zo militant groups of involvement in violence.
Meanwhile, on Oct 23, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General Assam Rifles, met Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah in New Delhi and briefed him on the prevailing security situation in the North East.
He also apprised the Minister of the progress of Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing, establishment of crossing points along the Indo-Myanmar Border, various initiatives undertaken in furtherance of MHA directions and welfare measures for Assam Rifles personnel and the people of the North East.
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