Manipur Security Forces Seize Arms, Destroy Bunkers in Kangpokpi Search Operations
Security forces in Manipur have conducted extensive search operations in at least four villages in Kangpokpi district, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition, police said on Thursday (June 18, 2026). The operations, carried out on Wednesday (June 17, 2026), also led to the destruction of thirty illegal bunkers.
The villages where the operations took place are Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Khunou, L Munlui, and Konsakhul, all under the jurisdiction of Leimakhong Police Station. According to a police statement, these areas have witnessed recent incidents of violence, including the abduction of six Naga men from Leilon Vaiphei on May 13, whose bodies were recovered near the village on June 10. Reports of firing have also been recorded from Leilon Munlui and Konsakhul in recent months.
During the operations, security forces recovered eleven 12-bore single-barreled breech-loading (SBBL) guns, 294 live rounds of 12-bore ammunition, two packages of gunpowder, 34 empty cases of 12-bore ammunition, and six bulletproof vests. Additionally, thirty bunkers, outposts, and strategic camp sites in the vicinity were dismantled. Four people were detained for verification.
In a separate operation on Wednesday, an unauthorised check post and a bunker were destroyed at S Nabil and Loilamkoi villages under Churachandpur Police Station limits in Churachandpur district.
The police earlier stated that the Director General of Police (DGP) is personally overseeing operations in areas where there has been a rise in killings and armed activities between communities. Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh welcomed the proactive measures in a post on social media, commending the newly appointed DGP Mukesh Singh for his hands-on approach and expressing confidence that peace will be restored. He urged public support for the security forces.
The operations come amid ongoing ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, which has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023.
