"The terrorists have been shooting at unarmed civilians," Mr. Singh said, adding that the battle is between armed terrorists attempting to destabilize Manipur and the state government, which is aided by the central government.
Digital Desk: According to media reports, Manipur Police commandos have been
engaged rebels for more than eight hours today in numerous parts of the state
affected by ethnic conflict.
Today, Chief Minister N Biren Singh told reporters that "40
terrorists" had been shot dead.
"Terrorists have
used M-16 and AK-47 assault rifles, as well as sniper rifles, against
civilians." They came to many communities and set fire to people's homes.
We have begun taking aggressive action against them with the assistance of the
army and other security forces. "We have received reports that 40
terrorists have been killed," Mr Singh told reporters today.
"The terrorists have been shooting at unarmed
civilians," Mr. Singh said, adding that the battle is between armed
terrorists attempting to destabilize Manipur and the state government, which is
aided by the central government.
At 2 a.m. today, rebels launched five simultaneous attacks in
and around Imphal valley, according to sources.
Sekmai, Sugnu, Kumbi, Phayeng, and Serou are the areas. There
have been tales of further gunfights and unclaimed dead on the streets.
The gunfight in Sekmai has ended, according to sources who
declined to elaborate.
Doctors at the Regional
Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in the state capital Imphal told NDTV via
phone today that ten persons were injured in the gunfight in Phayeng.
Khumanthem Kennedy, 27, a farmer, was murdered after being hit
by numerous bullets in Bishenpur's Chandonpokpi; his body is being transported
to RIMS, according to reports, who added that additional casualties are
expected. Kennedy's wife and young son survive him.
The Chief Minister
stated that the recent surge in violent attacks on residents on the outskirts
of Imphal valley was well-planned and is strongly condemned, especially given
that Minister of State Nityanand Rai is in Manipur on a peace mission.
Over 25 Kuki insurgent factions have signed a three-way
"suspension of operations" (SoO) agreement with the central and state
governments. According to the SoO guidelines, insurgents are to be held in
government-designated camps, with weapons kept behind locked doors and
continuously monitored. Tomorrow, Home Minister Amit Shah is slated to visit
Manipur. He has urged both the Meiteis and the Kukis to remain calm and
peaceful while working to restore normalcy.
Army Chief General Manoj Pande also paid a two-day visit to the
state yesterday to assess the security situation.
The ongoing ethnic
violence between the Meiteis, who dwell in and around Imphal valley, and the
Kuki tribe, who live in the hills, over the Meiteis' demand to be classified as
a Scheduled Tribe (ST), has cost more than 70 lives since the clashes began on
May 3. Manipur
has been without internet for over 25 days.
Continue Reading
