Security Forces Recover Weapons, Demolish Bunkers During Kangpokpi Searches

Security forces conducted large-scale search operations in several violence-affected villages of Manipur's Kangpokpi district and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and protective gear, police said on Thursday. The coordinated operations were carried out on Wednesday in Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Khunou, L Munlui and Konsakhul villages under the jurisdiction of the Leimakhong Police Station.

According to a police statement, the operations led to the recovery of eleven 12-bore single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) guns, 294 live rounds of 12-bore ammunition, two packages of gunpowder, 34 empty ammunition cases and six bulletproof vests. The recovered items were seized as part of efforts to curb the presence of illegal weapons in areas affected by ethnic tensions and sporadic violence.

Security personnel also dismantled 30 illegal bunkers, outposts and strategic camp sites found in and around the targeted villages. Officials said these structures were believed to have been used for defensive and operational purposes during periods of unrest in the region. Four individuals were detained during the operations and were being verified by authorities.

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The search drives were conducted in villages that have witnessed security concerns in recent months. Leilon Vaiphei, a Kuki-Zo inhabited village, had drawn attention after six Naga men were allegedly abducted from the area on May 13. Their bodies were later recovered near the village on June 10, according to officials. Authorities also noted that reports of firing incidents had emerged from Leilon Munlui and Konsakhul over the past few months, prompting heightened security measures in the area.

The latest operations were aimed at preventing further escalation and restoring a sense of security among local residents. Manipur has experienced prolonged ethnic tensions and periodic outbreaks of violence since 2023, leading to extensive security deployments across several districts. Officials said search operations, weapon recovery drives and the dismantling of illegal fortifications remain key components of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order and prevent fresh incidents of violence.

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