Miscreants bunker destroyed, cache of arms recovered by forces

Imphal: Security forces in Manipur dismantled a bunker used by armed militants and seized a cache of weapons in ongoing operations against ethnic violence, police reported on Monday.

The joint operation, involving the 22nd Assam Rifles and Kangpokpi police, targeted a hideout in Old Bijang village, Kangpokpi district, based on intelligence about hidden arms.

The militants fled upon seeing the approaching forces.

Authorities recovered a significant arsenal from the bunker, including an MA 3 Mk II assault rifle, a 7.62 mm self-loading rifle (SLR) with ammunition, a single-barrel rifle, a locally-made improvised pump action weapon, ammunition pouches, and military gear.

In a separate operation in the Churachandpur district, security forces conducted search patrols in vulnerable areas around Kangvai village. This operation yielded two additional locally-made mortars.

All recovered weapons and materials have been handed over to the relevant police stations for investigation and legal proceedings.

The clash in Manipur over the past year has claimed over 230 lives.