Security forces in Manipur made significant discoveries in their efforts to quell ethnic tensions, uncovering hidden bunkers stocked with a cache of weapons and military supplies in strategic operations across Imphal’s valley districts.In a proactive move to secure vulnerable areas in Imphal West and Imphal East districts, authorities dismantled an illegal bunker in Kadangband, Imphal West. Inside, they seized a range of weaponry including a Heckler and Koch assault rifle, an SLR, carbine, several pistols, and single-barrel guns.
Simultaneously, in Tera Karong Village, Imphal East, security forces discovered two homemade rifles, along with hand grenades, detonators, stun grenades, and tear gas shells.Police have confirmed that the recovered items are now in the custody of local authorities for further investigation and action. Earlier, amidst the backdrop of ongoing ethnic conflict, thousands from the Kuki-Zo tribal community staged a peaceful rally in Churachandpur, advocating for a political resolution. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) led the march, emphasizing the need for immediate political intervention to restore peace.
Speakers at the rally, including ITLF Chairman Pagin Haokip and MLA Paolienlal Haokip, urged for swift action from the central government, presenting a memorandum outlining community grievances to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Demonstrators voiced their demands for the creation of a Union Territory with legislative powers under Article 239A of the Constitution, underscoring slogans like “No Political Solution, No Peace.”