IMPHAL, Oct. 26 -- Manipur cannot achieve lasting peace and progress as long as "gun culture" persisted in the state, chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on Sunday, while appealing people to surrender illegal arms. The chief minister visited Sinai Camp, a designated camp of Suspension of Operation (SoO) militants in Kangpokpi district of Manipur, following its take over by security forces after a joint operation, according to an official statement. This is the first visit by a sitting chief minister to a designated camp under the SoO. "We are here to protect the lives and properties of the people. Manipur cannot progress or achieve lasting peace as long as a gun culture exists," the statement cited Khemchand Singh as saying. He further appealed people to shun violence and surrender illegal arms. During the joint operation in the aftermath of the killing of three firewood collectors near Nongshum in Imphal East district, 17 individuals impersonating registered SoO cadres using false identities were found in the camp. "The camp was supposed to house about 150 cadres," said an official statement. Khemchand Singh inspected the entire camp premises and briefed by officers of the CRPF and Assam Rifles. Meanwhile, the CM on Saturday said the government would form a committee representing all 36 communities of the state. The chief minister said that he will consult with Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba and all the MLAs. The proposed committee would aim to foster a cohesive environment among the communities and promote peace, harmony and inclusive development in the state, he added....