Imphal

Suspected armed Kuki militants opened fire late Wednesday night in parts of Manipur, targeting an Indian Army post, police said.

According to Manipur Police, the firing occurred around 11:40 pm in the Phouljang–Gothol area, with shots directed towards a military position at Phougakchao Awang Leikai.

Security forces, including the Indian Army and the 58th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force, retaliated promptly, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted for nearly half an hour.

Following the incident, a joint search operation was launched early Thursday by multiple forces, including the Army, CRPF, state police and the Indian Reserve Battalion, covering the affected zone and nearby hill areas.

Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored, with security forces continuing operations in vulnerable regions to prevent further escalation. Citizens have been advised not to spread unverified information and to rely only on official updates.

In a separate development, security personnel arrested an active member of the United National Liberation Front (Pambei faction) from the Patsoi area and recovered a mobile phone from his possession.

Additionally, six illegal bunkers were dismantled in parts of Imphal West district, including the Litan and Mongkat Chepu areas, as part of ongoing efforts to curb militant activity.

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Officials said most bunkers in violence-affected zones have now been neutralised, while security deployment remains heightened to maintain law and order.