Manipur: Security forces destroy 23 illegal bunkers, seize 18 IEDs in major operations

Imphal: Security forces destroyed 23 illegally constructed bunkers in Manipur’s Ukhrul district during an operation conducted on Thursday. The action was carried out in the hill villages of Mongkot Chepu, Shongphel, Mullam, Sirarakhong and Ringue under the Litan police station area.

During the operation, security personnel also recovered a 12-bore pump action gun, 17 cartridges of different calibres, and 111 empty cases of fired bullets. Officials said the recovery highlights the continued presence of illegal armed infrastructure in the region.

Background of ongoing ethnic violence

According to police records, at least seven people have been killed in separate firing incidents and more than 30 houses have been burnt since violence broke out between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities in Ukhrul district in February this year. The situation has remained tense in several parts of the district.

In a separate operation on Wednesday, security forces recovered a large cache of arms and explosives from T Bongmol village under Moreh police station in Tengnoupal district. The seizure included two single-barrel rifles, four 9mm pistols with magazines, and 18 improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Officials confirmed that the recovered IEDs were destroyed on the spot following standard safety procedures. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb the movement of illegal arms and explosives in the border districts of Manipur.

Authorities said search operations are continuing in vulnerable areas to prevent further escalation of violence and to dismantle illegal armed setups. Security forces remain on high alert across affected districts.

(With IANS inputs)