New Delhi, May 28 (EFE).- Indian security forces have killed some 40 armed militants during a raid in Manipur, the eastern region’s chief minister N Biren Singh said Sunday.

The deaths come as tensions mounted in the Indian region, where clashes between armed groups and security personnel have been recorded in several localities.

Security forces opened fire at militants who have reportedly shot civilians during clashes, Singh was quoted by the PTI News website as saying.

Singh pointed out that the latest wave of violence was not related to clashes involving the ethnic Kuki community that broke out earlier on the day in various parts of the region.

Many of the militants have been arrested, according to Singh.

The government official urged the public to keep having faith in the government and support the security forces.

The violence that broke out between tribal communities in Manipur earlier this month has resulted in the death of 60 people and the forced evacuation of 20,000 others. Thousands of buildings, including temples and churches were also burned in the clashes.

The conflict broke out after the Manipur High Court asked the state government to include the Meitei tribe, which accounts for more than 50 percent of the population in the state, in its scheduled tribe list.

In India, disadvantaged socio-economic groups or communities that face discrimination are included in a special list of scheduled castes/tribes.

It allows them access to several government welfare schemes in education, jobs and electoral seats.

The court order prompted strong opposition from the other tribes who form a minority in the region.

Since then, internet services have been suspended as part of measures to control the situation.EFE

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