Exactly sixteen months ago, Manipur went up in flames. The riots that broke out on May 3 last year caused intense anxiety for nearly a year. At a time when the situation seems to have calmed down a bit for a few days, Manipur’s civil war seems to be turning into a bit of a war. Militants are resorting to rocket attacks with drones similar to the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas wars. Terrorists used drones to bomb residential areas at two locations near Imphal West district. Under these conditions, everyone is turning off the lights in that area at night. Currently, the residents of the outskirts of Bishnupur and Imphal East districts of Manipur live in fear of drone attacks. On September 6, militants deployed long-range rockets in Bishnupur district. Manipur’s first Chief Minister Myrembam Koireng’s residence was attacked by rocket attacks. A senior citizen lost his life in this attack. Six civilians were injured in Moirang Khoiru Laikai of Bishnupur district.
Currently, police teams and additional security forces have been deployed to conduct combing in the hilly areas. Two bunkers in Mulsang village and one bunker in Laika Mulsau village of Churachandpur were reportedly destroyed by the security forces. There Bishnupur district police teams including SP reached the area where the suspected Kuki militants fired. However, the police team repulsed the attack and repelled the attack, officials said. A military helicopter of the Indian Air Patrol has been deployed to prevent drone attacks. High-level security meetings are being held to review law and order. Officials are closely monitoring the situation and are preparing special forces to respond to any contingency.
Security forces have declared high alert in Manipur to keep an eye on the movement of large militant groups. In Bishnupur district, lighting rounds are being fired into the sky. People are panicking because of this war-like situation. Amidst this confusion, people are confused as to whether the security forces fired or the militants fired. On the other hand, the security forces are trying hard to destroy the bunkers of the militants. However, the first incident of using a drone weapon in Manipur took place on September 1 in Kauthruk village of Imphal West district. It seems that the militants also used guns in this attack. Two people were killed in these attacks. Nine others were injured. The next day, another drone attack took place in Senjam Chirang, about three kilometers away, in which three people were injured. With these series of attacks, Manipur is facing a war atmosphere. There is a situation of not knowing what will happen.
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However, flying of drones in Manipur has become a thing of the past. Camera drones have been seen flying since the conflict between the Kuki-Jo tribes and the majority Meitei began last year. Along with authorities, YouTubers are also using drone cameras to review the situation in those areas. Surveillance drones of the security forces are also hovering. However, now the drones dropping grenades with long range rockets is a cause for concern. Police suspect that cookie intruders are using these. Officials say these drones are coming from areas inhabited by Kuki tribes. However, it is not clear whether these are really sent by Kuki militants or there is a conspiracy by outside forces behind it.
Violence broke out in Manipur a year ago against the backdrop of the Manipur government’s decision to grant reservation to the Meitei tribe. In addition to the ill-advised decision taken by the government.. along with historical enmity.. this violence that claimed hundreds of lives started on May 3, 2023. Known as the Switzerland of India, parts of Manipur have shocked the entire country. Amidst such concerns, there are now views that the drone strikes will lead to more violence in Manipur. The security forces say that apart from dropping bombs by drones, launching rockets with drones is not possible without the help of modern military equipment. In fact, suspicions about these drone strikes have been rife for days. Last November, a huge drone was spotted flying at the Imphal airport. Rafale fighter jet has also been deployed for this purpose.
However, there is no doubt that such advanced drones are being manufactured locally. Recently, a man was caught by the Assam Special Task Force Police who was traveling with the necessary equipment for making drones. The police suspected that the man had bought them to deliver them to terrorist groups in Manipur. A few days after that… the police arrested a man who entered Manipur with batteries used for high-tech drones. However, the Film Producers Association has revealed that these batteries are being used in film production. Denied his arrest. However, the arrival of such drone technology in Manipur is seen by the police as an indication of increasing influence of terrorist forces in the riots. Suspicions are being expressed that the hand of outside forces is also behind this.