Security forces destroy 12 illegal bunkers in Manipur

Security forces destroyed 12 illegal bunkers in Manipur’s Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts during coordinated operations. In a separate operation, weapons including an AK-47 rifle, grenades and a mortar were seized from Churachandpur amid continuing ethnic tensions in the state

Imphal: Security forces have destroyed 12 illegal bunkers erected by armed groups in different parts of Manipur’s Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts, a police statement said on Wednesday.

Three illegal bunkers were destroyed at Lungter hill and one each at Tingpibung and Leplen villages in the Saikul police station area of Kangpokpi district on Tuesday.

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Seven illegal bunkers were also destroyed on the same day at various locations in the Litan police station area of Ukhrul district, it said.

Illegal bunkers have been set up by armed groups of the warring Kuki and Tangkhul Naga tribes since violence broke out between the two communities in February this year.

At least seven persons have been shot dead by armed groups and more than 30 houses burnt in Ukhrul, neighbouring Kamjong district and Kangpokpi following the outbreak of violence between the two major tribes.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated operation, security forces seized an AK-47 rifle, three single-barrel guns, a pistol, two grenades and an 81 mm mortar from Maovom village and its adjoining areas in the Churachandpur police station area of Churachandpur district on Tuesday.