Security sweep in Manipur yields arms cache, 39 bunkers razed

Guwahati: Security forces in Manipur have arrested seven people, recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, and destroyed 39 illegally constructed bunkers across multiple districts.

One militant belonging to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) was killed in a joint security operation. A Defence spokesperson said a UKNA cadre was killed and a cache of arms and ammunition recovered during a joint operation conducted by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles in Churachandpur district.

A police official said that three hardcore militants belonging to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the Socialist Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (SOREPA) were arrested from Imphal West and Bishnupur districts.


The arrested militants were allegedly involved in several violent incidents and numerous criminal activities across the state.

The official said security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, among other items, during intensive search operations conducted at multiple locations under the jurisdiction of Kangpokpi district.

The recovered weapons included 11 single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) 12-bore guns, 294 live rounds of 12-bore ammunition, two packets of gunpowder, 34 empty 12-bore cartridge cases, and six bulletproof vests.

Four individuals were also detained during the operation for further verification.

Security forces additionally destroyed 39 illegally constructed bunkers, outposts, and strategic campsites discovered in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts.

Meanwhile, the Defence spokesperson said that, in a major setback to insurgent activities in Manipur, a coordinated operation by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles successfully dismantled active insurgent infrastructure in a remote area of Churachandpur district on June 16.

Despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, troops carried out the operation with precision.

A gunfight broke out when security personnel approached the insurgents' hideout. The intense exchange of fire resulted in the neutralisation of one UKNA militant, while the remaining insurgents managed to flee the area.

Subsequent combing operations led to the destruction of fortified bunkers and the recovery of a sizable cache of arms, ammunition, and other war-like stores.

By dismantling insurgent infrastructure, the security forces reinforced their commitment to restoring peace and normalcy in the state, the spokesperson said.

Security forces, comprising both central and state agencies, continue extensive crackdowns on militants, with search operations and area domination exercises underway in fringe, mixed-population, and vulnerable areas across Manipur.

Hospital vandalised

Unidentified persons vandalised the district hospital in Churachandpur. A police official said that a section of the hospital was set on fire.

Three Kuki youths undergoing treatment for injuries at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal were shifted to Churachandpur district around midnight under heavy security escort.

A large protest erupted outside the hospital, and security forces had to fire tear gas shells to control the situation late on Tuesday night.

On June 15, an exchange of fire took place between Konsakhul and Leilon Vaiphei villages in Kangpokpi district, leaving three people injured. Konsakhul is a predominantly Naga-dominated village, while Leilon Vaiphei is predominantly Kuki-dominated.

The injured were initially taken to Leimakhong before being shifted to RIMS in Imphal for treatment.

They were identified as Genlenmang Vaiphei, Lunliandaw Vaiphei, and Paogou Lal.