Imphal, May 2: Security forces have dismantled 23 illegally constructed bunkers and recovered a cache of arms and explosives during coordinated operations in Manipur’s Ukhrul district and Tengnoupal district, police said on Saturday.
According to an official statement, the bunkers were destroyed on Thursday in multiple hill villages—Mongkot Chepu, Shongphel, Mullam, Sirarakhong and Ringue—under the jurisdiction of Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district. During the operation, security personnel recovered a 12-bore pump action gun, 17 live cartridges of various calibres, and 111 empty bullet casings.
Ukhrul district has witnessed recurring violence since February amid clashes between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. The unrest has claimed at least seven lives in separate firing incidents, while more than 30 houses have reportedly been set ablaze.
In a separate operation conducted a day earlier in T Bongmol village under the Moreh Police Station area in Tengnoupal district, security forces seized additional arms and explosives. The recovery included two single-barrel rifles, four 9mm pistols with magazines, and 18 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The explosives were safely neutralised at the site following standard operating procedures.
Authorities said search and area domination operations have been intensified across sensitive and fringe locations in Manipur, as security forces continue efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and dismantle fortified structures in conflict-affected areas.
