Drone bombing in Manipur injures young woman, raises security concerns

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 3, 2024

The situation in Manipur is expected to deteriorate further, as intelligence inputs indicate that Kuki insurgent groups have deployed numerous rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) using high-tech drones to target both civilians and security forces. This raises serious concerns about the escalating violence and the challenges authorities face in maintaining peace and security in the state.

On Monday, insurgents launched a drone bomb attack on the Meitei village of Senjam Chirang in Imphal West district, injuring a 23-year-old woman. This incident further escalates the violence in Manipur, highlighting the growing use of advanced methods by insurgent groups to target civilian populations.

The RPG bombing using a high-tech drone occurred at approximately 6:55 pm on Monday. The victim, identified as Watham Sanatombi Devi, a 23-year-old woman from Chirang Maning Leikai, was seriously injured when the bomb dropped into a civilian house in Senjam Chirang, causing a devastating blast.

According to intelligence reports, a total of 60 bombs have been dropped using high-tech drones since Sunday. The use of such advanced technology by insurgent groups marks a troubling development in the ongoing conflict. Sunday’s bombing in Koutruk Village marked the second-ever drone bombing in India, following a similar incident in Jammu and Kashmir last year. In the Koutruk Village attack, a 31-year-old mother tragically lost her life, and her daughter, along with nine others, sustained injuries.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Manipur Police stated: “While drone bombs have commonly been used in general warfare, this recent deployment of drones to deploy explosives against security forces and civilians marks a significant escalation. The involvement of highly trained professionals, possibly with technical expertise and support, cannot be ruled out.” This statement underscores the growing sophistication of tactics being used in the conflict and raises concerns about potential external support or expertise involved in these attacks.

“Authorities closely monitor the situation, and the police are prepared to respond to any contingency. Police appeal to the general public to maintain restraint. Combing operations are ongoing to flush out any inimical elements,” they posted.

2 dead as fresh violence erupts in Manipur, alert sounded in all districts

Sources indicate that the high-tech drones used in these recent attacks were manufactured by insurgent groups in Myanmar, where they have been used since last year to capture Myanmar army bases. However, the bombs were made locally. Some electronic engineers involved with the insurgent groups have expertise in manufacturing drones for such attacks, and these drones have been brought in from the Sagaing, Chin, and Rakhine regions of Myanmar through Kangpokpi in Manipur. “The style of the bombing reflected that a group of professional people are involved in it,” said a source.

A retired army official observing the situation said the Union government should intervene immediately and deploy KALI (Kilo Ampere Linear Injector), a linear electron accelerator developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to destroy all the drones deployed by the insurgent groups in Manipur. There is also a need for drone detection systems, including radar deployment, to prevent insurgent groups from extending the range of such drones to target vital installations in the state.

Meanwhile, the Manipur Congress questioned the Centre’s silence on drone attacks in the state, emphasizing the threat to national security. “If bombs are dropped with the help of drones, it is a question of national security since the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s residence might not be safe,” said Congress Legislature Party leader O Ibobi Singh at a press conference. “It has become a question of national security now. Are the Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister’s Bungalow safe from drone attacks? If these two complexes are not safe, what about the rest of the people?” The Congress leader wonders whether the Centre is ignoring Manipur since it is a small state.