Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday visited Sinai Camp, a designated Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp in Kangpokpi district, following its takeover by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) after a joint security operation.
The camp, designated for cadres of the Kuki National Army (KNA) and Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), was disarmed and taken over by the CRPF following a joint operation involving its CoBRA unit, Manipur Police and other security agencies.
The operation was conducted in the aftermath of the killing of three firewood collectors at Nongshum in Imphal East district. During the operation, security personnel found 17 individuals allegedly impersonating registered SoO cadres using false identities, while the camp was supposed to accommodate around 150 cadres.
The visit marks the first time a sitting Chief Minister has visited a designated SoO camp.
Khemchand Singh was accompanied by Government spokesperson and Heirok MLA Th. Radheshyam.
Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister inspected the camp premises and was briefed by CRPF and Assam Rifles officers on the operation and the prevailing law and order situation in the area.
Interacting with senior security officers and personnel, Khemchand Singh commended the CRPF’s CoBRA Battalion for its courage and role in the operation that led to the camp being brought under security forces’ control.
He stressed that security operations must be conducted with due care to ensure that innocent civilians are not affected. He also directed security personnel to remain focused on protecting the lives and property of the people.
The Chief Minister said Manipur could not progress or achieve lasting peace as long as gun culture persisted. He appealed to the people to shun violence, surrender illegal arms and work collectively towards restoring peace and harmony in the state.
Later, Khemchand Singh interacted with civil society organisations (CSOs) and villagers in the area.
Among those present during the visit were IG, CRPF (M&N) Sector, Homkar Amol Vinukant; IG of Manipur Police Kamei Angam Romanus; DIG of Manipur Police N. Herojit Meetei; DIG of CRPF Rajesh Kumar; Colonel Radha Krishnan of Assam Rifles; the Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi district; the Superintendents of Police of Kangpokpi and Imphal East; and other senior officials from security agencies.