52 illegal bunkers razed, arms seized across districts
Security forces have intensified operations across restive Manipur, dismantling 52 illegal bunkers and recovering large caches of arms and ammunition, including a PEK bomb and IEDs, as fresh violence continues to grip several districts.
According to police, the latest operations were concentrated in Ukhrul district, where 52 bunkers were discovered and destroyed at Mahadev Thoyee ridge and Zalengbung ridge. These actions followed renewed tensions in Litan and adjoining areas of Ukhrul and Kamjong. Authorities said earlier operations had already dismantled several bunkers in the same region, but the discovery of additional fortifications highlighted the scale of the ongoing conflict.
In Imphal East, combined teams recovered five firearms and other items during operations in Tuinomjang and Sanasabi forest under Yaingangpokpi police station. The cache included a .22 pistol with magazine, .22 rifle, country-made carbine, pompi gun with bipod, single-barrel gun, camouflage BP jacket with plates, a Baofeng walkie-talkie, and a 51 mm mortar HE bomb, along with ammunition and an empty SLR magazine.
Meanwhile, in Churachandpur district, security forces seized a PEK bomb and a four kg IED following a gunfight with suspected Kuki militants on March 25 night. The attack involved heavy gunfire and bomb explosions, some of which landed near a security camp. Forces responded swiftly, leading to a brief exchange of fire lasting about 30 minutes, though no casualties were reported. Subsequent operations in S Nabil and Loilamkot areas led to seizure of grenades, and additional explosives.
An active cadre of the Kuki National Front (KNF) was also arrested in Tuibong, Churachandpur. Identified as Jamtinlen Haokip (34) of K Salbung village, he was found in possession of a 9 mm pistol with magazine.
In Kangpokpi district, operations at Gamdai village under New Keithelmanbi police station led to the recovery of three bolt-action rifles, one SBBL gun, two 9 mm pistols with magazines, and 12-bore cartridges. Security forces also made arrests in the valley districts. In Imphal East, a cadre of the RPF/PLA, identified as Seram Chingloiba Meieti alias Tomei alias Tom (27), was apprehended from his residence at Khurai Angom Leikai. Another cadre, Naorem Johnson Singh (20) of Kakching Wairi Thongam Leikai, was arrested during an operation in Kakching district.
Authorities said the situation remains tense but under close monitoring. Security forces will continue operations across hill and valley districts to flush out armed miscreants and restore order.