Imphal : A total of 360 illegal bunkers constructed by the warring groups/communities in the ongoing communal clash have been destroyed as of September 14, 2023, Inspector General of Manipur Police (Administration) K Jayenta Singh, (IPS) told a news conference at Imphal on Thursday night.

The destructions have been made by the combined security forces and Manipur police during the search operations conducted at various places in the hills and valley districts. The Senior IPS Officer said that one bunker was dismantled at Kangpokpi District on Wednesday. On September 6, a total of 17 bunkers set up at the strategic areas in Imphal East district were destroyed.

It is worth mentioning herewith that both the villagers of the Meitei and Kuki areas say they are using makeshift bunkers to defend themselves from attack by the other side. Despite the Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh stating that all bunkers illegally set up in both the hills and valley areas would be pulled down.

The warring parties said that they needed bunkers which are the defensive military fortifications designed to protect people and valued materials from falling bombs, artillery, or other attacks. Bunkers are almost always underground, in contrast to blockhouses which are mostly above ground.