Security forces recovered arms, ammunition and bulletproof vests during operations in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts, while Kuki Inpi Manipur condemned the actions in Leilon Vaiphei.
Imphal, June 17: Security forces on Wednesday carried out a series of coordinated operations across Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition, dismantling dozens of bunkers and strategic camps, and detaining four individuals for verification.
According to official information, intensive search operations were conducted at Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Khunou, L. Munlui and Konsakhul villages under Leimakhong Police Station in Kangpokpi district.
During the operation, security personnel recovered 11 single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) 12-bore guns, 294 live rounds of 12-bore ammunition, two packages of gunpowder, 34 empty cases of 12-bore ammunition and six bulletproof vests.
Security forces also dismantled 30 bunkers, outposts and strategic camp sites found in and around the villages. Four individuals were detained during the operation and are undergoing verification, officials said.
In a separate operation conducted under Saikul Police Station in Kangpokpi district, security forces destroyed four bunkers located at different sites. Two bunkers each were demolished at Thingphai village and C. Kholen village.
Meanwhile, in Churachandpur district, security personnel dismantled an unauthorised check post and a bunker at S. Nabil village and Loilamkoi village under Churachandpur Police Station.
The operations form part of the ongoing efforts by security agencies to remove illegal fortifications, recover weapons and prevent the use of strategic positions by armed groups in the hill districts.
However, the operations at Leilon Vaiphei and adjoining villages drew sharp criticism from Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of Kuki tribes in the state.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, KIM strongly condemned what it described as the actions of Central security forces during the search operation. The organisation alleged that security personnel entered the villages, imposed a lockdown-like situation, conducted house-to-house searches and shouted at residents, including women, children, students and elderly persons.
KIM stated that the operation took place a day after Leilon Vaiphei village was allegedly attacked by cadres of the NSCN-IM, an incident in which three Kuki-Zo students were reportedly seriously injured and are undergoing medical treatment.
The organisation questioned why extensive operations were being conducted in villages that had recently suffered an armed attack and alleged that victims were being treated as suspects rather than being provided protection.
According to KIM, the operation caused distress among residents who were already dealing with trauma and insecurity following the earlier incident. The organisation maintained that the villagers were victims of violence and should not be subjected to intimidation or harassment.
The apex tribal body further alleged that women, children and elderly residents were inconvenienced during the operation and argued that security measures should not result in what it termed collective punishment of civilians.
KIM urged the Government of India and concerned authorities to ensure that such actions do not recur and called for measures against those responsible for the alleged attack on the village. It also demanded justice for the injured Kuki-Zo students and affected residents.
Reiterating its position, the organisation said peace and stability could only be achieved through impartial enforcement of the law and equal protection for all communities.
No official response had been issued regarding the allegations made by Kuki Inpi Manipur at the time of filing this report.
