Imphal, Manipur: In recent developments at unstable Manipur, Militants from the Kuki tribe labelled responsible for the recent attacks on unarmed civilians in the state said Chief Minister N Biren Singh, CM Singh further called them “terrorists".

“A significant number of Kuki militants in combat attire were eliminated, besides the Jat Regiment also apprehended several individuals linked to the group," Singh said, adding, “Kuki militants are terrorists."

As per reports Kuki militants were using heavy weaponry such as two-inch mortars.

During the Press briefing in Manipur’s Capital Imphal CM strongly condemned the use of sophisticated weapons, including M16 rifles, AK-47s and snipers, to target unarmed civilians. He emphasised the government’s commitment to neutralising this threat.

Indian Security forces have been battling armed groups for more than eight hours in several parts of Manipur’s hotspot for ethnic rioting.

The operations were being conducted in Litanpokpi, Serou, Sugnu, Yaingangpokpi and Trobung.

However, CM initially informed that 40 such militants had been eliminated in counterinsurgency operations but revised the number to 33 when cross questioned by the media.

The latest clashes broke out after Military initiated combing operations to de-arm communities and establish peace in violence-hit areas, two persons were reported killed and 12 injured in different instances of firing upon civilians, state police said.

CM claimed that these clashes were not between rival communities but between Kuki militants and security forces.

In the wake of violence News Agency PTI also reported that the house of BJP MLA Khwairakpam Raghumani Singh at Uripok in Imphal West was vandalised and his two vehicles have been set on fire, a top security official informed news agency. The official also said the clashes broke out in the early morning hours at several places in different districts surrounding the Imphal Valley.

“According to our information, firing has been reported from Sugnu in Kakching, Kangvi in Churachandpur, Kangchup in Imphal West, Sagolmang in Imphal East, Nungoipokpi in Bishenpur, Khurkhul in Imphal West and YKPI in Kangpokpi," the official said.

The official further said new roadblocks had sprung up at areas, which were being monitored by women and there was an unconfirmed report of arms being looted from Kakching police station by a Meitei group.

Comprising over 10,000 personnel around 140 columns of army and Assam Rifles have been deployed along with other paramilitary forces in the state to bring back normalcy.

Meiteis account for about 53 percent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribal Nagas and Kukis form another 40 percent of the population and reside in the hill districts.