Manipur Security Forces Recover Arms, Destroy 30 Illegal Bunkers in Kangpokpi

Security forces have intensified operations in violence-hit areas of Manipur, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition and dismantling at least 30 illegal bunkers, outposts and strategic camp sites during extensive search operations in Kangpokpi district, police said on Thursday.

The operations were conducted on Wednesday in Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Khunou, L Munlui and Konsakhul villages under the jurisdiction of the Leimakhong Police Station, following recent incidents of violence reported from the region.

According to a police statement, security personnel recovered 11 single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) 12-bore guns, 294 live rounds of ammunition, two packages of gunpowder, 34 empty ammunition cases and six bulletproof vests during the searches. Four individuals were also detained for verification.

Leilon Vaiphei, a Kuki-Zo village, had drawn attention after the abduction of six Naga men on May 13. Their bodies were later recovered near the village on June 10. Officials said incidents of firing had also been reported from Leilon Munlui and Konsakhul in recent months.

In a separate operation, security forces demolished an unauthorised check post and a bunker at S Nabil and Loilamkoi villages under the Churachandpur Police Station limits in Churachandpur district.

The crackdown comes amid renewed efforts to curb armed activities and restore normalcy in the state. Police had earlier stated that Manipur Director General of Police Mukesh Singh was personally overseeing operations in areas that have witnessed a recent surge in killings and inter-community violence.

Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh welcomed the intensified operations, praising the DGP's hands-on approach and expressing confidence that peace and stability would be restored through coordinated action by security forces.

Manipur has remained affected by ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023, with more than 260 people killed and thousands displaced in the unrest.