Manipur protests continued in several places after three Meitei men were killed while collecting firewood on October 19, 2026. Separately, police said a joint security operation at a designated militant camp led to 17 arrests and the seizure of 24 firearms.

Key Takeaways

  • The three men were killed in an ambush in the Sunurok hills of Kangpokpi district.
  • Police said the 17 people arrested at Sinai Camp were found using false identities.
  • The state home minister said a suspension-of-operations agreement with Kuki militant groups had expired in September.

Manipur protests demand justice

Militants ambushed a group of 14 Meitei men collecting firewood on October 19, killing three of them. Demonstrators have since gathered in several locations to demand justice.

On October 23, hundreds of protesters gathered at Kangla in Imphal for a demonstration organized by the Federation of Haomee. Members of Manipur’s film fraternity also held a protest on October 24. Earlier, a crowd clashed with police outside a sports complex in Imphal while Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh was attending an event inside.

Police investigate camp arrests

Manipur Police said the October 23 operation at Sinai Camp involved state police, the Central Reserve Police Force’s Quick Action Team and its CoBRA unit. Sinai Camp is a designated camp associated with the Kuki National Organisation and affiliated groups under the suspension-of-operations arrangement.

Police said eight of those arrested were allegedly impersonating Kuki National Army cadres, while nine were Kuki Liberation Army cadres. Officers also seized 38 magazines, ammunition, explosives, wireless equipment and other combat gear. Police said they were investigating alleged impersonation, unauthorized possession of arms and possible involvement of camp functionaries.

Status of the security agreement

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the suspension-of-operations agreement with Kuki militant groups expired in the first week of September and had not been extended. He cited public opposition as a possible reason and said the state and central governments were concerned about sentiment against an extension.

The United People's Front and the Kuki National Organisation signed an agreement with the government on August 22, 2008. It was extended last year.

Next milestone

The 17 accused were remanded to police custody until October 31, while the investigation continues.

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