Amid the formation of a high-level committee to counter drone threats by Kuki militants, DGP Manipur Rajiv Singh on Tuesday disclosed that the state has requested the expertise of Delhi-based agencies, including the NSG, to address the emerging security challenge posed by the drone attacks.
In the aftermath of the recent drone attacks along the Kangchup hill stretches in Manipur, including Kadangband, Koutruk, and Senjam Chirang in Imphal by Kuki militants on Sunday and Monday killing a 31-year-old mother, injuring her daughter and many others including personnel of state forces, the DGP had visited the sites of these attacks to assess the situation.
The DGP, accompanied by the SP of Imphal West and the commandant of the 2nd Manipur Rifles and other police officers, also interacted with the villagers and noted their grievances.
Addressing the media in Kadangband Part-II, the DGP revealed that the Manipur government has sought assistance from Delhi.
“Violence has escalated, however the police department is taking the matter seriously,” the DGP stated, noting that extensive search operations are currently being conducted at three-four sites where the drone attacks occurred.
He described the drone assaults as a "new phenomenon" that requires urgent attention and assured that the perpetrators will not be spared.
Acknowledging the gravity of the security concerns, the DGP highlighted that, apart from Assam Rifles, 198 companies of central forces are already deployed in the strife-torn state.
However, he emphasised that more forces are needed, as "only state forces cannot handle the ongoing crisis."
He further warned that any forces failing to perform their duties effectively would be removed from their positions.
The Manipur police chief reaffirmed the commitment to restoring peace and security in the region, stating, "We are taking all necessary steps to ensure safety and prevent further escalation of violence."
Reacting to the situation, the villagers expressed frustration over the response of the central forces, accusing them of inaction during the attacks.
They claimed that the crisis between two communities was just a firing, but now the Kuki militants have started indulging in activities using military-grade equipment and drone bombing, which is even considered as a war crime.
They urged the state government to deploy more state forces in the affected areas, stating that the central forces' current approach is inadequate for addressing the crisis.
The villagers also stressed the need for advanced drone countermeasures, such as drone jammers and adequate deployment of state forces in the conflict zone, to safeguard the Meetei communities from further threats.
It is reported that on Monday, a drone was recovered from Kharam Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district, a Kuki-dominated area by the Manipur Police.
On the other hand, an unexploded bomb dropped by Kuki militants via drone on Monday was discovered near the Manipur Rifles bunker at Kadangband Part II.
During a media visit following the attack, the bomb was found submerged in the ground. Villagers suggested there could be more unexploded bombs in the area, as only two out of several were detonated.
Efforts were underway to locate the remaining bombs and defuse the submerged one, but as of the report's filing, the bomb squad had not yet arrived at the scene.
