33 Kuki 'terrorists' killed in encounters since May 3: Manipur CM N. Biren Singh

IMPHAL: At least 33 "terrorists" of Kuki militant outfits were killed in a series of encounters with the security forces since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said on Sunday. After holding a meeting with Army Chief General Manoj Pande, the Chief Minister said that the security forces launched massive combing operations in many districts against the Kuki militants, who, according to him, are attacking civilians in different districts.

Singh said that in retaliatory and defensive operations against these "terrorists", who are using sophisticated arms against the civilian population, 33 of these "terrorists" have been killed in different areas, and a few "terrorists" have also been arrested by the security forces. "The government condemns the attacks on unarmed civilians, especially in the peripheral areas of valley districts, in the strongest terms," the Chief Minister told the media. Meanwhile, the house of BJP MLA K. Raghumani Singh was vandalised and his two vehicles were set on fire at Uripok in Imphal West district on Sunday. Police said that an angry mob, who are demanding action against the Kuki armed groups and militants, attacked the legislator's house and were keen to meet Raghumani Singh, seeking stern action against the Kuki attackers.

The Chief Minister said in his media briefing that the spurt in violent attacks on civilian houses in the peripheral areas of the valley in the past two days seemed well-planned and simultaneous to show their capacity and is strongly condemnable, especially when Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai is in the state and group peace missions are being formed as part of efforts to bring back peace in the state. Stating that those trying to break the state and disrupt peaceful coexistence in the state are enemies of all the 34 communities residing together in the state, Singh added that the government would continue to face every such challenge. Noting that this is clearly a challenge to the state and its integrity, he once again appealed to all 34 communities residing together in the state to have faith and trust in the government. He said that the government would not allow the disintegration of Manipur, protect the state's integrity, and uproot these armed terrorists from the state.

"The government would face every challenge against the territorial integrity of the state, including attacks on the lives and property of the people. The forces are well trained and well equipped." Recently, 10 MLAs (including seven BJP legislators) belonging to Kuki tribals have demanded a separate state for the tribals dividing Manipur. The Chief Minister said that the fight is between armed terrorists trying to force the disintegration of Manipur and the state government, assisted by the Centre. He said that following the identification of 38 vulnerable areas, other vulnerable areas have also been identified, and the state police have been conducting operations. (IANS)

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