Security forces have apprehended eight people suspected to be members of the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) during a joint operation in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, police said on September 7.
The operation was conducted at Gampum village under Saikul Police Station by teams from the Manipur Police, Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Mahila personnel and Rapid Action Force (RAF). According to police, the teams raided an unauthorised camp allegedly belonging to suspected KLA cadres.
During the operation, security personnel also recovered arms and ammunition from the site. Following the raid, the camp was sealed by the authorities, police said.
The arrests come amid continued security operations across Manipur aimed at identifying armed groups, illegal camps and weapons in areas affected by prolonged ethnic conflict. Authorities have been conducting joint operations involving state and central security forces in different parts of the state.
The Kuki Liberation Army is among the Kuki and Zomi militant organisations that are signatories to the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Centre and the Manipur government. The pact was designed to facilitate dialogue and maintain a ceasefire between the government and participating armed groups.
The latest operation is likely to draw attention to the implementation of the SoO agreement and the presence of unauthorised camps. Further investigation is expected to establish the identities of those detained and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged camp and the seized weapons.