A new round of violence has started in Manipur and attacks have taken place in several districts of the state in which some people have died. At least five people were killed in fresh violence in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Saturday morning. Some suspected Kuki rebels attacked Nungchappi village, about 230 km from the state capital Imphal. A police officer said that one person was shot dead while he was sleeping, while four armed men were killed in the firing that followed.
According to the police, the militants entered the house of a man living alone at a secluded place about five kilometers from the district headquarters and shot him dead. The officer said that after the killing, there was heavy firing between armed men of warring communities in the hills, about seven kilometers from the district headquarters, in which four armed men including three hill militants were killed.
Deployment of anti-drone systems
In view of the increasing cases of violence, security agencies and central forces have deployed some anti-drone systems in the border areas of the state to prevent any kind of dangerous drones. CRPF has also tested an anti-drone system and it has been provided to the force deployed in the state. Some more anti-drone guns are being brought to the state by CRPF soon. At the same time, the state police has also started the process of procuring anti-drone systems to enhance its security measures and effectively deal with the threats posed by drones.
Also read: Manipur is burning once again! Coordinating Committee issues ultimatum to armed forces after violence
Drone attacks are happening
Earlier on Friday, violence was also reported from Kakching district, where firing and bombing took place. Officials said that on Friday also one person was killed and five others were injured in rocket attacks in Bishnupur district. The first rocket attack took place at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district at around 4.30 am, damaging two buildings. The second “unguided” rocket missile fell on the compound of the residence of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng at Mairembam Lekai in the busy Moirang town, killing an elderly man and injuring five others, including a 13-year-old girl.
Several people were also injured in a separate bomb attack in Bishnupur district. In view of the drone attacks, the Manipur Police has deployed anti-drone systems in the area and is reportedly in the process of procuring more such systems and anti-drone guns. Several police teams and additional security forces have been deployed to conduct search operations in the surrounding hills in Manipur. Officials also said that a military helicopter has also been deployed to conduct aerial patrolling.
Meanwhile, people in border areas of Bishnupur and Imphal East districts switched off their lights after several drones were sighted on Friday night. Officials said several drones were sighted in Narayansena, Nambol Kamong in Bishnupur district and Pukhao, Dolaithabi, Shantipur in Imphal East district, causing panic in the areas.
Chief Minister called an emergency meeting
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday evening called an emergency meeting with the leaders of the ruling coalition of the state, including MLAs of BJP, Naga People’s Front and National People’s Party (NPP) to discuss the current law and order situation in the state. CM Biren Singh also met Governor L. Acharya on Saturday evening amid fresh incidents of violence in the state.
Also read: There will be no mercy for those who indulge in violence in Manipur! Anti-drone system deployed, security forces will get more weapons
Ultimatum to the armed forces
Since the first week of September, the intensity of violence witnessed in Manipur in July and August 2023 has increased again. The situation has worsened after the use of drones for aerial bombardment, RPGs and sophisticated weapons. Meanwhile, the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued a stern ultimatum, demanding immediate and decisive action from the Indian armed forces to resolve the ongoing crisis in Manipur. It has set a five-day deadline for the forces to deal with the situation, warning that failure to take action would force the people to take drastic steps to protect their population.
The committee has expressed deep dissatisfaction over the manner in which the central forces have handled the situation, especially their handling of the Kuki insurgent groups. In its ultimatum, COCOMI has called for either strict action against these insurgent groups or the withdrawal of central forces from Manipur.
Thousands of people formed a human chain
Thousands of residents of five districts of the Imphal valley on Friday united and formed a human chain to protest the recent drone and gun attacks in Manipur. School and college students as well as women from various localities participated in the rally organised by the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). They stood on the roadsides of Thoubal Bazar, Lilong Chazing in Thoubal district and Sekmai, Kwakeithel and Singjamei in Imphal West district and raised slogans condemning the violence.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)