Manipur Chief Minister asserts state cannot attain progress while gun culture persists

IMPHAL — Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand asserted on Sunday that the state cannot attain progress or lasting peace as long as a “gun culture” persists, marking his stance during a visit to the Sinai Camp in Kangpokpi district.

The camp, a designated facility under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement for the Kuki National Army (KNA) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), was recently taken over and disarmed by security forces following a joint operation. The operation was conducted by the CRPF’s CoBRA unit, Manipur Police and other agencies in the aftermath of the killing of three firewood collectors belonging to the Meitei community at Sunulok in Imphal East district.

The development is significant as it marks the first-ever visit by a sitting Manipur Chief Minister to a designated SoO camp. Accompanied by Government Spokesperson and Heirok MLA Th. Radheshyam, Khemchand inspected the premises, interacted with senior security personnel, and received briefings on the law and order situation from officers of the CRPF and Assam Rifles.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s secretariat, Khemchand commended the CRPF CoBRA unit for its courage in bringing the camp under complete control. He directed security forces to ensure that innocent civilians are not affected during combing operations, emphasizing that authorities are deployed to protect the lives and properties of the public. He also appealed to the state’s residents to renounce violence, surrender illegal arms, and unite to restore peace and harmony.

During the takeover, security forces discovered 17 individuals impersonating registered SoO cadres using false identities inside the facility, which was reportedly supposed to house about 150 cadres. Following his inspection, Khemchand interacted with civil society organizations and local villagers. Several high-ranking security and civil officials were present during the visit, including IG CRPF (M&N) Sector Homkar Amol Vinukant, Manipur Police IG Kamei Angam Romanus, Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner, and district Superintendents of Police.

The tripartite SoO agreement involving Kuki militant groups was initially signed on August 22, 2008, between the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and 25 outfits organized under two umbrella groups—the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the United People’s Front (UPF)—with the objective of halting hostilities and violence. Under the pact, cadres are housed across 14 designated camps.

Although the agreement was renewed for a year on September 4, 2025, during President’s Rule despite public demands for its abrogation, Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam later confirmed to the media that the pact has not been extended or renewed since expiring on September 4, 2026.