In a sharp escalation of violence in Manipur, a series of drone attacks targeting civilians and security forces in the Koutruk area of Imphal West district has left the region in shock.
On September 1, 2024, suspected Kuki militants deployed drones to drop bombs, marking a significant shift in the tactics used in the ongoing ethnic conflict.
The attack resulted in the death of two individuals, including a 31-year-old woman identified as Ngangbam Surbala Devi, and left at least nine others injured.
Among the wounded were civilians, police personnel, and a journalist, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the assault.
The use of drones to deliver explosives against both security forces and civilians marks a new and alarming escalation in the conflict, previously characterized by more conventional forms of violence.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing drones before the explosions, suggesting a level of sophistication in the attack not previously witnessed in Manipur’s ethnic strife. This incident follows a period of relative calm, making the attack a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the region.
The Manipur Police, in response to the incident, 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 police’s statement also hinted at the involvement of highly trained professionals, possibly indicating external support or training for the militants.
The state government has condemned the attack in the strongest terms, viewing it as an attempt to disrupt peace efforts. “Such an act of terrorizing unarmed villagers is viewed very seriously by the state government,” a statement from the Manipur Home Department read.
Immediate action has been taken to control the situation, with security forces deployed to prevent further violence and apprehend those responsible.
The violence in Manipur, rooted in ethnic tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities, has seen intermittent flare-ups, but the introduction of drone warfare signals a complex development in the conflict.