Manipur police and personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), in a joint operation, destroyed seven illegal bunkers of miscreants at Koutruk hill range late on Thursday night. "Security forces conducted search operations in the vulnerable and fringe areas of the state. Joint security forces conducted an operation in Koutruk hill range and destroyed 7 (seven) illegal bunkers," the Manipur police tweeted on Friday.
Meanwhile, security forces, who have been combating the illegal activities of different underground outfits, have erected 129 checkpoints, both in the Meitei-dominated valley and Kuki-Zo inhabited hill districts, to prevent resurgence of clashes between the warring communities.
The Manipur police, in a series of operations, have detained 1,047 persons from different parts of the state in connection with the ongoing violence in the state.
On Thursday, at least 21 people, including a journalist, were injured in police action after clashes broke out between two communities in the Phougakchao area of Bishnupur district. The security forces had to resort to firing of tear gas as the situation went out of control.
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Curfew was re-imposed in the Imphal West and Imphal East districts after clashes between security forces and the locals broke out in Churachandpur district on Thursday.
On Friday, curfew in both the districts was relaxed for seven hours from 5 am to facilitate common people to purchase essential items.
Sporadic incidents of firing and mob congregations have been reported from several parts of the state, Manipur police said in a statement on Friday.
An irate mob also stormed a police outpost in Bishnupur district’s Keirenphabi and Thangalawai areas, taking away a huge cache of arms and ammunition.
An exchange of fire between armed miscreants and security forces also took place at Koutruk Haraothei and Senjam Chirang areas of the worst-affected district in which one policeman died and a civilian was left injured.
The police have ensured the movement of vehicles carrying essential commodities on National Highway 37 and 32.
Manipur police has appealed to the public not to believe in rumours and to be aware of fake videos. A helpline has also been set up to enable people to report fake videos and rumour mongering.
The overall situation in the strife-torn state continues to be tense with the security forces, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), keeping a tight vigil in all the affected areas.