Imphal: Security forces in Manipur intensified operations across hill and border districts, dismantling illegal bunkers and recovering arms and explosives in coordinated actions over two days.
On April 22, joint teams destroyed six illegal bunkers in Kangpokpi district under Saikul police station limits. The bunkers were located at Tingpibung, Lungter Hill and Leplen. Officials said the structures were suspected to have been used by armed groups operating in the area.
During the operation, security personnel recovered 12 empty cases of 7.62 mm ammunitions from the sites.
In a separate intelligence-based operation on April 21, security forces recovered a cache of arms and explosives from the general area between Indo-Myanmar Border Pillars 72 and 73 under Moreh police station in Tengnoupal district.
The recovered items included an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, a carbine with a magazine, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and two Motorola radio sets. The IEDs were safely destroyed on site in accordance with standard operating procedures.
The operation, carried out by central forces in coordination with civil police, involved the use of a metal-detecting sniffer dog following specific inputs on insurgent movement in the border area.
As part of stepped-up security measures, 112 nakas and checkpoints have been set up across hill and valley districts, leading to the detention of nine persons. Authorities said search and area domination operations are continuing in vulnerable locations, particularly along the Myanmar border.
Officials added that the recovered arms and materials have been handed over to the concerned police stations for further legal action, while investigations are underway to ascertain their origin and links to militant groups.