Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Security forces dismantled 26 illegal bunkers and recovered arms, ammunition and other items during anti-insurgency operations in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, officials said on Wednesday.
According to reports, the bunkers had been set up by anti-social elements belonging to Naga and Kuki groups in sensitive areas of the district.
In the first operation, combined security forces destroyed 14 bunkers. Five were located along the Mongkot Chepu–Patlijang hill stretch, while nine were found along the Lungphu Junction–Industrial Estate Centre hill stretch. Two empty 5.56 mm cartridge casings were recovered from the area.
In a separate operation, security forces dismantled 12 more bunkers under the jurisdiction of Litan Police Station. Two bunkers were located along the Shangkai–Mongkot Chepu village hill stretch and 10 along the Leingangching–Sikibung village hill stretch.
A pair of binoculars, 21 empty cartridge casings of various calibres and eight live SBBL rounds were recovered during the operation.
Officials said security forces are continuing cordon-and-search operations and area domination exercises in vulnerable and fringe areas of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Thoubal districts.
Additional security measures have been put in place, including the establishment of nakas and checkpoints at strategic locations, while extensive combing operations are underway.
Senior police officials said the Director General of Police is personally overseeing operations in areas that have witnessed a recent spike in inter-community violence and armed activity.