Imphal: Joint security forces demolished four fortified bunkers in Ukhrul district and recovered a cache of military-grade weapons in Chandel district during coordinated operations aimed at restoring normalcy in violence-hit areas of the state.
According to the Manipur Police‘s morning bulletin, a joint team comprising central security forces and state police dismantled four illegally constructed bunkers erected by armed groups belonging to the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities in Ukhrul district on Thursday. Two bunkers each were destroyed at Thoyee village (Mahadev Top) and Jalenbung village under the jurisdiction of Litan Police Station.
Police said the bunkers had been built by rival groups to protect their respective villages, establish dominance over strategically important hill ranges, and prevent incursions by opposing factions. The fortified positions were also allegedly used to launch attacks and retaliatory strikes amid the ethnic violence that has gripped the region.
The Litan area witnessed intense clashes between February and April 2026, including gun battles, ambushes, and arson attacks that left at least seven people dead and more than 30 houses destroyed. As part of ongoing efforts to curb violence and restore law and order, security forces have been conducting sustained operations to dismantle illegal fortifications and recover arms and explosives. No arrests were made during the latest operation.
In a separate intelligence-based operation in the general area of Chaljang village under Joupi, within the jurisdiction of Molcham Police Station in Chandel district, security forces recovered a sizeable cache of illegal arms and communication equipment.
The seized items included one AK-56 assault rifle, five magazines, ten single-barrel rifles, five Baofeng radio sets with chargers, and two 12-bore shotguns.
All recovered weapons and equipment have been handed over to the Manipur Police for further investigation and legal action.