At least 12 bunkers have been destroyed and six mortar shells confiscated by security forces in India's northeastern state of Manipur following search operations, local police jave revealed.
The bunkers were found in the strife-torn State's Tamenglong, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur districts.
In a statement, police said, "the situation is tense but under control" with some sporadic incidents.
Since May 3, ethnic clashes sparked off between the Kuki, and Meiti communities in the state. Nearly 1,100 arms, 13,702 rounds of ammunition and 250 bombs have been seized.
Meiteis people, who account for 53 percent of the state's population, reside mostly in the Imphal Valley. But Nagas and Kukis tribals, who constitute 40 percent, reside in the hill districts.
Why is Manipur Witnessing Ethnic Violence
The State is witnessing tension between the majority Meitei and minority Kuki communities over the proposal to designate Meities a ‘Scheduled Tribe (ST)’.
Though Meities are in the majority, they reportedly have just ten percent of the state’s territory. They are disallowed to purchase land in the hill areas. If granted, this ST status, would let them buy land in the areas having a quite large population of Kukis and other tribal communities.
The Manipur High Court, in March, directed the state government to notify the Meitei community as an ST.
Meiteis, a majority tribe of the Manipur population, want a Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. But the Kuki tribe, a minority in the state, is against this demand.
The latter (Kukis) fear that if the BJP-led Manipur government agrees to Meities' demand for the ST status, it will be a loss for them. It is feared the ST status would entitle the Meities to enjoy reservation in public jobs and educational institutes, and giving them access to forest lands.
Hence, the ethnic violence is taking place in the state.