Imphal, Oct 23 (PTI) Search operations are underway to arrest all those involved in the killing of three Meitei men in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district earlier this week, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said on Friday.
Security forces have also raided a designated camp of insurgent groups that had signed the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement, and detained 17 people for questioning, he said.
“Operations are going on in connection with the recent killing of three youths in the Sunurok hills. A joint team involving Cobra, CRPF and police raided Sinai camp in Kangpokpi, where 18 people were present. The camp is designated for groups that have signed the SoO agreement,” Konthoujam told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here.
One of the 18 people has been identified as a cadre of a Kuki outfit that had signed the SoO agreement, while the identities of the others are yet to be ascertained, he said.
“The 17 persons have been detained at Sinai camp, and an investigation is underway to ascertain which groups they belong to,” he added.
The minister said that on Monday, three people were arrested following the killings, and they are being interrogated.
Konthoujam said the SoO agreement expired on September 4 and had not been renewed.
The minister said search operations would continue not only at Kuki camps but also at camps of Meitei and Naga outfits.
He also highlighted the difficulties faced by security forces while conducting operations in the hill areas.
“Impartial measures will be taken to maintain law and order. The government is trying to restore normalcy,” he said.
The ethnic conflict between the valley-based Meitei and hill-based Kuki communities, which erupted in May 2023, has claimed at least 306 lives, while 49 people remain missing and thousands have been displaced.
Clashes between Kuki and Naga communities have also been reported in recent months. PTI CORR SOM
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