Indian army kills 30 militants in Manipur amid ethnic violence
At least 30 militants have been killed in the north-east Indian state of Manipur, the country’s army has said.
It comes after weeks of ethnic violence in the state.
The army said 25 armed men were arrested while preparing to carry out an attack.
Violence between the largely Hindu Meitei community and member sof the Kuki tribe, who are mainly Christian, broke out over the state government’s move to confer special rights on the Meiteis.
At least 75 people have been killed and about 35,000 have been displaced since May 3.
Manipur’s Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh said on Sunday that militants killed people and burnt houses in many villages on the periphery of Imphal valley, the state’s power centre.
“In retaliatory and defensive operations against these terrorist groups, who are using sophisticated arms against the civilian population, around 30 of these terrorists have been killed in different areas,” Mr Singh said.
“A few have also been arrested by the security forces.
“We have started taking very strong action against them with the help of the army and other security forces.
“The spurt in violent attacks on civilian houses in the peripheral areas of the valley seemed well-planned.”
The 25 men detained while plotting an attack were in the state capital of Imphal. They were arrested after soldiers were fired on, Mr Singh said.
Three were held for carrying guns, a hand grenade and a detonator, officials said.
The government has imposed a curfew in the state and suspended internet services in the majority of its 16 districts.
Incidents involving militant groups have been reported across the state.
Officials said some have used AK-47s to fire on civilians.
Manipur has a history of armed insurgency involving separatist and ethnic groups.