Manipur has again been shaken by violence and firing. This time the Kuki militants have dropped bombs on the village using drones. This is considered to be the most shocking trend in the recent violence. The militants targeted the lower areas of Kotruk and Kadangband valley from the top of the hill and first fired indiscriminately, then dropped heavy bombs from drones. The sudden attack spread panic in the village and people were seen looking for safe places to save their lives. Two people died in the attack. 9 others including two security personnel were injured.
According to the Panchayat president of Kotruk village, armed militants started firing at around 2 pm on Sunday. The village volunteers were not in the sensitive areas at that time. Many houses have also been damaged due to heavy shelling by the militants. The villagers were in their homes when the firing and bombing started. Local resident Leishangtham Rony said, this attack happened just 10 days after the village volunteers were called back from the area. We had withdrawn our village volunteers after the advice of the state security forces. One of our women was shot dead and her daughter was injured.
Villagers are angry with the incident!
The people of Kotruk village have expressed disappointment over the incident. They say that despite repeated assurances by the state government to restore peace, we are not safe. Ningthoujam Tomalei, a member of the local women’s monitoring group, said, the state government repeatedly claims that peace has been restored, but we are still living in fear of attacks. When will we really be safe?
Curfew imposed in Imphal West district
The Manipur Home Department has termed it a heinous act of terror which is a threat to the peace of the state. Meanwhile, the local administration has imposed curfew in Imphal West district. The Manipur government has condemned the attack and assured strict action against those responsible.
Attacked with drones, bombs and sophisticated weapons
A statement issued by the Manipur Home Ministry said, the state government has received information that the incident was allegedly carried out by Kuki militants. Unarmed villagers of Kautruk area were attacked with drones, bombs and many sophisticated weapons, in which two people including a woman were killed and many others were injured. The state government has taken such act of terrorizing unarmed villagers very seriously. The government is making every effort to bring normalcy and peace in the state.
N Biren Singh government further said, immediate action has been initiated to control the situation and punish those involved in the attack on Kotruk village in Imphal West.
Kuki militants attacked with high tech drone
The information given by Manipur Police regarding this attack is very shocking. Police has claimed that Kuki militants used high tech drones. Such drones are used only in wars. The attackers cannot be called ordinary either. To attack with these drones, one needs to be highly trained and a technical expert. That means a big conspiracy cannot be ruled out in this entire incident.
Police told, how deadly was the attack?
Manipur Police posted on X and wrote, “An attack has taken place in Kotruk area of Imphal West. Alleged Kuki terrorists planted several RPGs (rocket propelled grenades) using high tech drones. While these drone bombs have been commonly used in wars. The use of drones to plant explosives against security forces and civilians is indicating a significant increase. The involvement of technical experts and highly trained professionals in this incident cannot be ruled out. Officials are closely monitoring the situation. Police is ready to deal with any contingency. Police has appealed to the general public to maintain restraint.
Among those who died in the attack, local citizen Ngangbam Surabala (31 years) died due to bullet injury. While his 8-year-old daughter has suffered an injury in the hand. A woman is yet to be identified. 2 police personnel also got injured in the incident. A total of 9 people have been injured. Police said that out of the 9 people who have been injured, 5 have been shot. Whereas, the rest were injured in the bomb blast.
Manipur DGP has said in an official order, proper coordination should be done between the security forces and joint search operations should be carried out to prevent any untoward incident. The DGP has directed all SPs to remain on alert in all border areas.
Violence broke out for the first time in Manipur on May 3, 2023. There is a dispute going on between the Kuki and Meitei communities regarding reservation. So far 226 people have died in the violence. More than 1100 people have been injured. More than 65 thousand people have left their homes. The Meitei population in Manipur is about 53 percent, which mainly lives in the Imphal valley. While tribal communities including Naga and Kuki are about 40 percent and mainly reside in the hilly districts.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)