Two people were killed and six injured in new violence in Manipur after a four-month break.
Published On: 2024-09-02
Manipur Experiences Violence Again After a Four-Month Break
After a four-month break, violence returned to Manipur on Sunday when suspected extremists used "high-tech drones" to carry out a gun-and-bomb attack that left two people dead and at least six others injured, including two police officers and a television journalist.
The attack took place in the villages of Koutruk and Kadangband.
The Kuki-majority hill area of Kangpokpi is adjacent to the Meitei-dominated Imphal West district, where the police said the shooting and bombing started at 2:30 p.m. at the villages of Koutruk and Kadangband.
Attacks Persistent and Security Forces' Retaliation
Attacks persisted until the reporting time, at which point Manipur Rifles and India Reserve Battalion members retaliated. After dusk, some residences were also set on fire.
Attacker casualties and injuries
The attacks claimed the lives of Ngangbam Surbala, a 31-year-old lady, and an unidentified man from Koutruk. The woman was shot in the head and killed.Elangbam Mushuk, a journalist, sustained injuries while reporting the violence. The Meitei community is represented by the dead and the injured, seven of whom are women. At a hospital, each injured person is receiving medical attention.
Drones Were Used in the Attack
The terrorists used a drone to drop bombs during the attack, according to the residents of the two villages that were impacted.
People can be seen scrambling for shelter in a supposedly recorded video of the incident that has been shared on social media, while a guy can be heard declaring, "Drone bombing has started."
Highlights of Social Media Videos Chaos Context: Tribal and Non-Tribal
Prior to the April Lok Sabha election, there was a firefight between the non-tribal Meiteis and the tribal Kuki-Zos.
A day after the Kuki-Zo people staged protests in many hill districts calling for a separate administration for the tribe, attacks were launched on the villages of Koutruk and Kadangband.
A high alert went out.
Conflict: Following the Incident, a High Alert Was Issued
Following the event, Imphal West District Magistrate Th. Kirankumar issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita imposing limitations
The DGP's Maximum Alertness Directive
Rajiv Singh, the Director-General of Police of Manipur, sent out an "alert message" ordering all district superintendents of police to maintain the highest level of alertness, particularly in the periphery.
"Every force present in their domains needs to be informed." For the purpose of averting any unfortunate disaster, the forces must be well coordinated. There must be joint combining activities. To avoid any unfortunate incident, ADGP, zonal IGPs, and range DIGPs must closely monitor the state of law and order.
The use of advanced drones escalates conflict.
The Manipur Police claimed in a statement that the radicals used sophisticated drones to drop multiple rocket-propelled grenades. "While drone bombs have long been used in general warfare, this recent use of drones to deliver explosives against civilians and security forces represents a significant escalation."
"It is impossible to rule out the engagement of highly qualified individuals, perhaps with technical know-how and assistance. The statement further stated that authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation and are ready to act in any emergency."A bid to sabotage peace"
The state government condemns the attack and attempts to sabotage peace efforts.
The State administration said in a statement that it became aware of the attack on the defenseless people, which was allegedly carried out by Kuki militants utilizing "drones, bombs, and many sophisticated weapons."
The incident was an attempt to thwart attempts to establish peace. "Such an act of terrorizing the unarmed villagers is viewed very seriously by the State government when it is putting all possible efforts towards bringing normalcy and peace in the State."
