By Amit Bhatia-
Imphal, September 1, 2024 – In a disturbing escalation of violence, Kuki militants have reportedly employed drones to launch attacks on Meitei villages in Manipur, resulting in at least two deaths, including a 31-year-old woman, Ngangbam Surbala, and injuring several others, among them her eight-year-old daughter and police personnel. The attacks, which reportedly utilized rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and bombs dropped from drones, began around 2:00 PM in the Koutruk and Kadangband areas of Imphal West, a region adjacent to the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district.
The violence marks a significant technological leap in the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, showcasing the use of drones not just for surveillance but as active combat tools. Eyewitness accounts and posts on social media platform X describe scenes of chaos as drones were seen dropping explosives, an unprecedented tactic in this conflict.
The Manipur government and police officials have condemned the attack, labeling it an attempt to derail peace efforts in the state. “Such acts of terrorizing unarmed villagers are viewed very seriously,” stated a release from the Manipur Home Department, emphasizing the government’s commitment to restoring peace and taking immediate action against the perpetrators.
The Director General of Police, Rajiv Singh, issued an alert for all districts to maintain maximum vigilance, especially in “fringe areas” where tensions between communities are high. This incident follows a period of relative calm and comes amidst ongoing demands by the Kuki community for a separate administration, highlighting the deep-seated ethnic divisions.
Social media has been abuzz with posts from both communities, with Meitei residents accusing “Kuki Militants” of initiating the violence, while some Kuki accounts claim defensive actions against Meitei aggression. Videos circulating online purport to show the drone attacks, though the authenticity and context of these videos remain under scrutiny.
This attack not only signifies a tactical shift in the methods used by militant groups in the region but also underscores the fragile state of peace in Manipur, where ethnic tensions have simmered for years. The introduction of drone technology into this conflict could potentially change the dynamics of warfare in the region, posing new challenges for security forces tasked with maintaining peace.
As the community reels from the shock of this new mode of warfare, questions arise about the source of such technology and the implications for future security measures in the region. The state government’s response to this escalation, and its ability to curb the use of advanced warfare technology by militant groups, remains to be seen.
