Imphal: Security forces on Thursday stepped up combing operations in Manipur's Bishnupur district following an attack by suspected Kuki militants on an Indian Army post at Phougakchao Awang Leikai.
The joint operation, involving the Indian Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Manipur Police and the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), has been launched across the affected areas and adjoining hill regions to trace those involved and prevent any escalation.
The incident occurred late on Wednesday night along the Bishnupur-Churachandpur axis, when suspected armed militants opened fire in the Phouljang and Gothol areas. According to a statement from Manipur Police, "On March 25, 2026, at approximately 11:40 p.m., suspected armed Kuki militants opened fire in the general area of Phouljang/Gothol, directing their fire towards an Indian Army post."
"The Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (58th Battalion), deployed in the area, responded swiftly by returning fire towards the source, resulting in an exchange that lasted approximately 30 minutes," the statement added.
Officials said security personnel retaliated promptly, leading to a gunfight that continued for about half an hour. Forces have since heightened vigil in the region, with search operations underway in surrounding areas.
"The situation continues to be closely monitored, and security forces will persist with operations in the surrounding hill areas. Civilians are requested to refrain from spreading rumours and to verify information before sharing," the police said.
In a separate development, security forces dismantled six illegally constructed bunkers in the Litan and Mongkat Chepu Upper village areas of Ukhrul district. "In continuation of the operation by security forces which commenced yesterday, six bunkers illegally constructed were dismantled on Wednesday at Litan and Mongkat Chepu Upper village areas," a police statement said.
The developments come amid heightened tensions between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities near Litan Sareikhong. Earlier this week, a Kuki woman was injured in firing at Mongkot Chepu, while two Tangkhul Naga individuals were injured in a separate incident at Sharkaphung in neighbouring Kamjong district. Both sides have traded allegations, further aggravating tensions in the region.
Officials said the dismantled bunkers had been used in recent gunfights between armed groups in the violence-affected Litan area and have now been rendered largely ineffective.
Security forces remain on high alert, with troops strategically deployed and area domination exercises intensified in vulnerable and fringe areas to stabilise the situation and prevent further flare-ups, officials added.