Security forces have destroyed 23 illegally constructed bunkers and recovered a cache of arms and explosives during separate operations in Manipur’s Ukhrul district and Tengnoupal district, police said on Saturday, May 2.
According to police, the bunkers were demolished on Thursday during coordinated operations in the hill villages of Mongkot Chepu, Shongphel, Mullam, Sirarakhong, and Ringue under Litan police station limits in Ukhrul district.
During the operation, security personnel seized a 12-bore pump-action gun, 17 cartridges of different calibres, and 111 empty fired bullet cases from the area.
Ukhrul district has witnessed recurring violence since February following clashes between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. At least seven people have been killed in separate firing incidents, and more than 30 houses have reportedly been burned during the unrest.
In another operation on Wednesday, security forces recovered arms and explosives from T Bongmol village under the Moreh police station area in Tengnoupal district.
The recovered items included two single-barrel rifles, four 9mm pistols with magazines, and 18 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The explosives were safely destroyed on-site following standard procedures.
Security forces have intensified search and area domination operations across vulnerable and fringe areas of Manipur amid ongoing ethnic tensions and concerns over illegal arms and fortified positions in conflict-affected regions.
