Imphal, Oct. 23 -- Manipur home minister Govindas Konthoujam on Friday said the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with Kuki militant groups had not been extended, as security forces stepped up a crackdown following the killing of three Meitei youths in Imphal East earlier this week.

He said 18 cadres found at a designated Kuki militant camp in Kangpokpi district were being investigated, with 17 set to be formally arrested on Friday as their identities and affiliations were established.

The Suspension of Operations pact was first signed on August 22, 2008, between the governments of India and Manipur and Kuki militant groups representing 25 outfits under two umbrella organisations: the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), which comprises ...