Manipur: Security Forces Demolish Four Illegal Bunkers in Ukhrul, Recover Arms Cache in Chandel
Imphal, July 3: Joint security forces dismantled four illegal fortified bunkers in Manipur’s Ukhrul district and recovered a cache of arms and communication equipment during separate operations in Chandel district as part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and strengthen security in violence-affected areas of the state.
According to the Manipur Police’s morning bulletin, a combined team of state police and central security forces carried out the operation on Thursday, demolishing four bunkers allegedly constructed by armed groups belonging to the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities.
The bunkers were located at Thoyee village (Mahadev Top) and Jalenbung village under the jurisdiction of Litan Police Station, where two fortified structures were dismantled at each location.
Police stated that the bunkers had been erected to defend nearby villages, secure control over strategically important hilltops, and prevent incursions by rival groups. Officials also alleged that the structures had been used to launch attacks and retaliatory operations during the ongoing ethnic unrest in the region.
The Litan area witnessed repeated incidents of violence between February and April 2026, including armed clashes, ambushes, and arson attacks that reportedly claimed at least seven lives and destroyed more than 30 houses. Security agencies have since been conducting sustained operations to dismantle illegal fortifications and recover weapons from vulnerable areas.
No arrests were reported during the bunker demolition drive.
In a separate intelligence-based operation, security personnel recovered a cache of illegal arms and communication devices from the general area of Chaljang village under Joupi, within the jurisdiction of Molcham Police Station in Chandel district.
The recovered items included one AK-56 assault rifle, five magazines, ten single-barrel rifles, two 12-bore shotguns, and five Baofeng wireless radio sets along with their chargers.
Officials said all recovered weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment have been handed over to the Manipur Police for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Security forces continue to carry out search operations, area domination patrols, and intelligence-based missions across vulnerable districts as part of ongoing efforts to prevent armed violence and maintain law and order in Manipur.
