Metal inside handlebar - is it normal?

[Kivi]

Hi friends,
I need info about a metal piece inside my handlebars. See the photo.
I want to put hand protectors, because of branches and things, and, as I see, they mount on both sides of handlebars's holes. But, inside my handlebar, there is something which would block the installation of protectors.
I believe these are some metal bars, or something. I wonder if these are put inside by factory or not. I tried to pull the put, but they do not move.

Any thoughts?
Thanks.

[Mudflap]

They're bar end weights to reduce vibration. Yes, factory installed. You can drill and tap them to mount hand guards.