The state's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday claimed that 40 suspected militants belonging to the "Kuki" groups have been killed by security forces over the past couple of days.

A few militants have also been arrested by the security forces, he added.

The massive crackdown by the state police and security forces is ongoing, and the casualty figures could increase, media reports quoted state government sources as saying.

Singh said the crackdown was launched against the Kuki militant groups who signed a suspension of operations agreement with the federal and the state governments in August 2008. The agreement was signed with 25 Kuki militant groups, 17 of which are under the umbrella group Kuki National Organization and eight under the United Peoples' Front.

As per the agreement, the cadres of these groups were to be confined to designated camps and their arms were kept locked.

Over the past several days, clashes have been reported from places like Kakching, Churachandpur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur and Kangpokpi. As many as four civilians and one para-military security personnel were killed in fresh violence over the past 24 hours, state government officials said.

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