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Security forces have destroyed four militant bunkers and occupied three others in Manipur’s Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts following intense gunfights last week, police officials reported on Monday.

The operations, which spanned the last two days, targeted areas bordering Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi villages, where recent clashes occurred after gunmen from the neighbouring hills launched attacks on low-lying settlements.

According to a police statement, “All armed miscreants involved in recent firing incidents at Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi have been flushed out. Four illegal bunkers have been destroyed while three other bunkers have been occupied by security forces both in the valley and dominating hill areas.”

The statement further added that a combined team comprising the Army, BSF, and CRPF had secured critical positions at Uyok Ching in Kangpokpi district.

The gunfights, which took place on Friday, left four individuals, including a police officer and a woman, injured. Armed gunmen from the neighbouring hills in Kangpokpi district launched the attack on the villages of Thamnapokpi and Sanasabi, sparking exchanges of fire with both security forces and local volunteers.

The ongoing violence, which has plagued the region since May last year, has seen more than 250 deaths and displaced thousands in ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups.

In a separate development, two militants belonging to the banned outfit PREPAK were arrested in Imphal West district for their alleged involvement in extortion.

Police identified the militants as Leishangthem Napoleon Meitei (35) and Thokchom Amujao Singh (33), who were detained from Sangaiprou Mamang Leikai on Sunday.

“Three mobile phones and 12 demand letters have been seized from their possession,” a police officer confirmed.

In another significant operation, security forces seized a cache of arms and ammunition during raids in Churachandpur and Tengnoupal districts.

An INSAS rifle, a 9mm pistol, and a single-barrel rifle were recovered in Muallam village, Churachandpur, on Saturday.

A further cache, including a .303 rifle, a 12-bore gun, seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs), five hand grenades, and detonators, was discovered in Saivom village in Tengnoupal district on Friday.