Imphal, April 29: Security forces in Manipur have intensified operations against armed groups, demolishing 12 illegal bunkers across Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts over the past two days, police said on April 29.
According to an official statement, five bunkers were dismantled in the Saikul police station area of Kangpokpi district, including three at Lungter Hill and one each at Tingpibung and Leplen villages. In a parallel operation, seven additional bunkers were destroyed in multiple locations under Litan police station limits in Ukhrul district.
Authorities said the bunkers were allegedly constructed by armed groups amid continuing tensions between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities following the outbreak of ethnic violence earlier this year. Since the escalation in February, at least seven people have been killed in firing incidents, while more than 30 houses have been set ablaze across Ukhrul, neighbouring Kamjong, and Kangpokpi districts.
In a separate operation in Churachandpur district, security personnel recovered a cache of arms and explosives from Maovom village and surrounding areas under the jurisdiction of Churachandpur Police Station. The seized items included an AK-47 rifle, three single-barrel guns, a pistol, two grenades, and an 81 mm mortar.
Officials stated that the operations are part of ongoing efforts to restore stability and prevent further escalation of violence in sensitive regions. Further search operations and area domination measures are continuing, they added.
