Manipur police confirmed the demolition of 23 illegally constructed bunkers during a sweeping operation in Ukhrul district. These fortifications were located in the hill villages of Mongkot Chepu, Shongphel, Mullam, Sirarakhong, and Ringue. The tactical move follows a surge in recurring violence in Ukhrul since February, fueled by clashes between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities—unrest that has tragically claimed at least seven lives and seen over 30 homes set ablaze.
Beyond the destruction of these bunkers, security personnel also seized a 12-bore pump action gun, various calibers of live cartridges, and over a hundred empty bullet cases, indicating recent and heavy exchanges of fire in the area.
The crackdown extended to the border district of Tengnoupal, where search operations in T Bongmol village yielded even more dangerous hardware.
Earlier this week, security forces intercepted a cache of arms including two single-barrel rifles and four 9mm pistols. Most critically, eighteen improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered. Given the volatile nature of these explosives, police units destroyed the IEDs on-site following established safety protocols to prevent any accidental casualties.
These recent successes are part of a broader “area domination” strategy. Security forces have ramped up their presence in vulnerable fringe areas and conflict zones to prevent further escalations. As ethnic tensions continue to simmer, the administration remains focused on disarming illegal groups and removing fortified positions that have become flashpoints for violence.
Police officials have stated that these search operations will continue indefinitely across the state to ensure the safety of civilians and the total recovery of illegal arms.
