Security Measures Intensified as Injured Kuki Youths Transferred in Manipur
Transfer of Injured Youths Under Heavy Security
Security personnel assist injured Kuki youths into ambulances ahead of their midnight transfer to Churachandpur. (Photo)
Imphal, June 17: Three Kuki youths who were receiving treatment for gunshot wounds at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal were moved to Churachandpur district late at night, accompanied by a heavy security detail. This transfer came after hours of unrest and protests that had enveloped the state's leading medical facility on Tuesday.
As per security sources, a convoy was organized to ensure the safe passage of the injured individuals to Churachandpur due to rising concerns about the escalating situation at the hospital.
While there has been no official announcement regarding the transfer from the authorities, security personnel indicated that this action was a precautionary step to uphold law and order and avert any further clashes within the RIMS premises.
Tensions had been building at the hospital since the three youths were admitted on June 15, leading to large crowds gathering in and around the facility, with protests lasting several hours.
Law enforcement and security teams reportedly struggled to manage the crowds as emotions ran high.
Security personnel during combing operations. (Photo)
The situation unfolds amid heightened security measures across Manipur, where forces have intensified efforts to dismantle fortified positions and mitigate armed activities in areas prone to conflict.
According to the Police Control Room, security forces have destroyed 26 bunkers in the sensitive Litan sector of Ukhrul district over a span of two days as part of coordinated search and area domination operations.
On June 15, security personnel demolished 12 bunkers—two along the Shangkai–Mongkot Chepu hill stretch and ten along the Leingangching–Sikibung village hill stretch, all within the jurisdiction of Litan Police Station.
During these operations, officials recovered a pair of binoculars, 21 empty cartridge cases from various firearms, and eight live rounds of single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) ammunition.
The following day, June 16, forces took down another 14 bunkers, including five along the Mogkot Chepu–Patlijang hill stretch and nine along the Lungphu Junction–Industrial Estate Centre hill stretch. Two empty 5.56 mm cartridge cases were also found during this operation.
The targeted areas are located within the Litan sector of Ukhrul district, which has seen repeated incidents of inter-community violence in recent months.
The Shangkai–Mongkot Chepu, Leingangching–Sikibung, Mogkot Chepu–Patlijang, and Lungphu Junction stretches are recognized as some of the district's most sensitive security hotspots, having experienced ongoing clashes, armed confrontations, and the establishment of fortified positions by rival factions.
Manipur Police have reported that combined security forces are conducting coordinated cordon and search operations (CASO) and area domination exercises in the vulnerable regions of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Thoubal districts.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam have recently emphasized that extensive combing operations are underway to restore normalcy and prevent armed groups from regrouping in conflict-affected regions.
The state has also received reinforcements from three units of the elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), indicating an escalation in counter-insurgency and stabilization efforts.
Officials have stated that the Director General of Police Rajiv Singh is personally overseeing operations in areas affected by violence.