Security forces destroy 21 illegal bunkers in Manipur after BSF constable killed in crossfire

Security forces launched a major operation in Manipur’s Ukhrul district and destroyed 21 illegal bunkers while recovering explosives and weapons, days after a Border Security Force (BSF) constable was killed in firing in the region, officials said.

According to police, the action followed the death of BSF constable Mithun Mandal of the 170 Battalion , who was fatally hit by a bullet during an exchange of fire between rival armed groups in Ukhrul district on April 10. The firing reportedly occurred between suspected Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga village volunteers near Mongkot Chepu village under Litan police station.

Following the incident, joint teams of Manipur Police, BSF, CRPF and the Indian Army conducted a coordinated combing operation between 5 am and 10 am on Saturday in the Mongkot Chepu and Sikibung areas to track down those responsible and dismantle militant infrastructure. During the operation, security forces demolished 14 bunkers in Sikibung village and seven in Mongkot Chepu and recovered 11 empty cartridge cases from the sites.

Police said the bunkers had been illegally constructed by armed miscreants and were suspected to have been used as firing and hideout positions during clashes in the area. Security personnel also carried out area domination, search and sanitisation operations in nearby locations to prevent further violence and apprehend those involved in the firing incident.

In a separate operation in the Moreh area of Tengnoupal district , security forces recovered a cache of arms and explosives , including two 9mm pistols with magazines , two combat uniforms , and 13 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) . The explosives were safely destroyed on the spot to eliminate any threat to civilians or security personnel.

Authorities said an FIR has been registered at Litan Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act, and investigations are underway to identify the armed miscreants responsible for the attack that led to the BSF jawan’s death.

Meanwhile, the body of the slain constable was being taken to his native village in Malda district of West Bengal for last rites.