SFs destroy 23 bunkers, detonate 18 IEDs in Manipur

Security forces in Manipur, in separate operations, destroyed as many as 23 illegal bunkers and a cache of arms and ammunition including 18 IEDs, officials said.
While destroying the 23 illegal bunkers in Ukhrul district, the security forces also recovered a 12 bore Pump action gun and ammunition, the police said.
Other items recovered while destroying the bunkers were 17 rounds of live ammunition of different calibres, 111 fired cases of different calibres, one battery charger, one magazine pouch and one pair of jungle boots. The bunkers were found constructed illegally at the hill range of Mongkot Chepu, Shongphel, Mullam, Sirarakhong and Ringue village under Litan police station of Ukhrul district during an operation on April 30.
Notably, the area where the bunkers were set up are highly vulnerable places of the ongoing violent conflict between the Tangkhul (Naga) and Kuki tribes.
Exchanges of fire between armed rival groups of the two tribes have been recurring in the area since fresh tension flared up in February last, resulting in the loss of seven lives and injuries inflicted on many others.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, the security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition including 18 IEDS from T Bongmol village under Moreh police station in Tengnoupal district.
The cache included two single barrel rifles, four 9 mm pistols with magazines, and 15 live rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.
The 18 IEDs were later destroyed at the spot, the police said.