In Manipur, security forces have intensified coordinated counter-insurgency operations following renewed ethnic violence and rising militarization in hill districts. Between April and early May 2026, multiple operations across Ukhrul, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, and Churachandpur led to the destruction of dozens of illegal bunkers, seizure of small arms, and neutralization of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), highlighting the presence of fortified militant positions and active combat conditions. The crackdown comes amid escalating clashes between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo groups since February 2026, compounding a broader conflict that has persisted since the 2023 ethnic violence. The situation reflects a deteriorating security environment marked by entrenched armed actors, territorial contestation, and limited state control in parts of the region.
The roots of the broader conflict in Manipur trace back to May 2023, when large-scale violence erupted following a “Tribal Solidarity March” organized by tribal groups opposing the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. This demand by the Meiteis, who primarily inhabit the Imphal Valley, was perceived by hill-based tribal communities as a direct threat to their land rights and political autonomy. Since then, the conflict has resulted in at least 260 deaths and the displacement of more than 60,000 people.
The conflict involves multiple actors divided along ethnic and political lines. The Meitei community, which forms the majority and is concentrated in the valley, is associated with several insurgent groups such as the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People’s Liberation Army of Manipur (PLA), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), and KYKL. Many of these have historically sought independence or greater autonomy from India. In the hill districts, Kuki-Zo tribes have organized both political and armed responses through groups such as the Kuki National Army (KNA), Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and United People’s Front (UPF), many of which remain armed despite being under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements. Meanwhile, Naga insurgent groups, particularly the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, pursue the goal of a “Greater Nagalim” by integrating Naga-inhabited regions, with Tangkhul Nagas playing a significant role in recent clashes in Ukhrul.
On 3 May 2026, the state marked the third anniversary of the 2023 violence, highlighting the deepening polarization between communities. Meitei groups organized rallies across Imphal Valley districts, demanding measures such as the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity. In contrast, Kuki-Zo organizations observed shutdowns in districts like Kangpokpi and held memorial gatherings in Churachandpur, with groups such as the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) referring to the day as a “separation day,” signaling increasing demands for political and territorial separation.
If we shift focus to the security forces (SF), they include the army, Assam Rifles, state police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CPRF) and specialized local units. The SF carried out the series of coordinated operations across multiple districts in Manipur, signaling an intensified crackdown on armed groups and militant activity. On 30 April 2026, security forces destroyed 23 illegal bunkers in the Ukhrul district, specifically in the hill villages of Mongkot Chepu, Shongphel, Mullam, Sirarakhong, and Ringue under the Litan police station area. These bunkers were reportedly constructed by armed groups involved in ongoing ethnic clashes.
In addition to dismantling fortified positions, security forces seized a range of weapons and ammunition, including a 12-gauge pump-action gun, 17 live rounds of ammunition of different calibers, and 111 empty bullet cases, indicating sustained use in active combat scenarios. In a parallel operation on 29 April 2026 in the Tengnoupal district, particularly in the Moreh region near the Myanmar border, forces recovered two single-barrel rifles, four 9 mm pistols, 15 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, and 18 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which were subsequently neutralized on-site.
Earlier, on 29 April 2026, security forces demolished 5 additional bunkers across Kangpokpi districts along with 7 in Ukhrul. Similarly, earlier in April, a major operation resulted in the destruction of 21 bunkers following the killing of a Border Security Force (BSF) constable during a road security mission. Additional recoveries in Churachandpur included an AK-47 rifle, 3 single barrels, 1 pistol with magazine, 2 35 mm grenades, and 1 81 mm mortar shell, underscoring the militarized nature of the conflict. The bunkers destroyed in these operations were not civilian shelters but rather tactical military-style fortifications constructed by armed groups. These structures serve both defensive and offensive purposes, including protection from enemy fire, launching attacks, and maintaining territorial control over contested areas.
Given Manipur’s hilly terrain, particularly in districts such as Ukhrul, these bunkers are often strategically located on elevated ground, allowing armed groups to monitor movement, control access routes, and gain a significant tactical advantage. Their presence indicates that several areas in Manipur are functioning as active conflict zones, with characteristics resembling low-intensity warfare rather than isolated communal violence. The most recent wave of violence in the Ukhrul district stems from clashes between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo communities, which began in February 2026. These confrontations have resulted in at least seven fatalities and the destruction of more than 30 houses, exacerbating tensions in already fragile hill districts.
In Imphal on Saturday, 25 April 2026, a large-scale protest organized by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) escalated into confrontations with security forces after demonstrators were prevented from advancing toward the Chief Minister’s residence. Authorities had imposed extensive security arrangements across the city, erecting barricades at key junctions, including Keishampat, Singjamei Chingamakhong, BT Road, Konung Mamang, and near the western gate of Kangla Fort, to restrict the movement of large crowds. Despite these measures, groups of protesters attempted to breach containment lines at multiple points such as Khurai, Nagamapal, Konung Mamang, and Uripok, triggering repeated stand-offs. Security personnel responded with tear gas shells and smoke devices to disperse advancing crowds, with reports indicating injuries to around two dozen individuals during the clashes.
The demonstration, carried out under COCOMI leadership, carried a wide-ranging set of political demands reflecting growing civil unrest. The memorandum submitted to the chief minister’s office raised concerns over the state’s ability to address what the organization described as a “proxy conflict” environment, alongside allegations relating to cross-border illicit networks and armed facilitation. It further sought accountability in recent civilian fatalities and called for an independent judicial inquiry into specific incidents. Additional demands included expedited rehabilitation measures for internally displaced populations, termination of ongoing Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangements with armed groups, and implementation of the National Register of Citizens. While the delegation was eventually permitted to meet the Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and submit its charter, internal disagreements emerged among protesters over the outcome, leading to reported altercations within the gathering and with the police.
The state government appealed for calm and dialogue, stressing that ongoing protests were disrupting students and daily wage earners. It confirmed that key investigations had been handed over to the National Investigation Agency for impartial inquiry, with results to be released after completion. Authorities also clarified that decisions on Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreements rest with the central government, though the state has communicated its stance to New Delhi. Additionally, they said work on identifying undocumented migrants had already begun and would continue with central support, alongside ongoing administrative and security measures.
All combined, the recent surge in security operations in Manipur can be attributed to several interrelated factors. First, there has been a clear escalation of armed clashes, particularly renewed violence between Kuki and Naga groups in early 2026, resulting in increased fatalities and destruction of property. Second, the growing militarization of civilian areas, as evidenced by the construction of bunkers and the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This signals a shift towards organized, insurgent-style warfare. Third, cross-border security dynamics play a significant role, especially in districts such as Tengnoupal, which share a porous border with Myanmar, enabling arms smuggling, militant movement, and logistical support networks. Finally, the proliferation of armed groups and fortified positions has increasingly challenged the authority of the state, prompting a coordinated response by central and state forces to reassert control and stabilize the region.
Verification Note: The information in this report has been compiled from multiple credible sources and cross-checked for consistency. Data and reports have been used to corroborate events where possible. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, access limitations may prevent independent verification of all details.
Ahsan Tajwar is a Security and Strategic Reporting Fellow at the Bangladesh Defence Journal. His work focuses on law enforcement, terrorism, transnational crime, organized trafficking networks, and cross-border security dynamics. He is currently pursuing a B.S.S. in Criminology. His analysis relies heavily on an academic approach, with particular emphasis on their socio-cultural dimensions.