Imphal: Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that his government has been authorised to use heavy weapons against Kuki terrorists.
The authorisation to use heavy weaponry was issued after the Kuki terrorists kept firing sophisticated weapons against civilians and burning down houses, mostly at the foothills of the state, the chief minister explained, while briefing media persons here on Sunday.
Biren said the state had witnessed a little normalization during the past few days, however, the incidents of shooting and encounters began in the last three days, which have resulted in dozens of deaths and injured a number of people. This has prompted the state government to hold a cabinet meeting and decide to allow the state police force to use heavy weapons against the terrorists, he added.
So far, nearly 40 terrorists have been neutralised by state security forces, the chief minister disclosed.
Stating that the Manipur police forces have enough well-trained manpower and weapons, the chief minister said his government was fully ready to face challenges and safeguard the territorial integrity of its 34 communities.
He said the violence is not between two communities – Meeties and Kukis, but between the state and armed terrorists who are trying to disintegrate Manipur.
The chief minister, who was accompanied by his cabinet colleagues during the press briefing, also appealed to the civilian population of all communities against coming out on the roads and joining the agitation and to immediately stop disrupting the movement of commandos and security forces.
Biren also urged the people to support and pray for our commandos, security forces, encouraging them.
