Manipur drone attacks: The Assam Rifles has deployed a few anti-drone systems in violence-hit Manipur following a recent drone and rocket attacks on civilians, in which an elderly man was killed and five others were injured on a residential area of Moirang in Bishnupur district, the state police said in a statement.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has also handed over one tested anti-drone system to security forces deployed in the ethnic strife-torn state. "Assam rifle has deployed a few anti-drone systems in the State at fringe areas to repel any rogue drones. CRPF has also tested one anti-drone system and given it to the force deployed in the State. Some more anti-drone guns are being brought to the State by CRPF shortly.
"The State Police has also started the process for procurement of an anti-drone system to enhance its security measures and tackle threats from drones effectively," the police said.
Violence in Manipur
Violence in Manipur, which has been plagued by ethnic clashes between the Kukis and Meiteis since May 3 last year, has intensified this month. Militants have begun using advanced technologies like drones and rockets, alongside the ongoing use of rifles and grenades, further escalating the conflict in the region.
On Friday night, residents in peripheral areas of Bishnupur and Imphal East districts turned off their lights after multiple drones were sighted, according to officials. The drones were seen over Narainsena and Nambol Kamong in the Bishnupur district, as well as Pukhao, Dolaithabi, and Shantipur in the Imphal East district, causing panic among the local population.
Since May last year, over 200 people have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced due to ethnic violence between the Meiteis from Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo communities from the surrounding hills. The once largely unaffected area of Jiribam saw a surge in violence after a 59-year-old man was killed by militants from a rival group in June, sparking incidents of arson and forcing thousands into relief camps.
In mid-July, a CRPF jawan was killed during an ambush by militants while on patrol, further escalating tensions in the region.
Manipur govt forms committee to probe drone bombings
The Manipur government has constituted a five-member high-level committee to probe the recent incidents of drone bombings in the state. The committee, headed by Additional Director General of Police Ashutosh Kumar Sinha, has been asked to submit its report by September 13.
The other committee members include GOC 57 Mountain Division Major General SS Kartikeya, Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) Major General Ravroop Singh, Inspector General CRPF (Manipur & Nagaland Sector) Vipul Kumar and Deputy Inspector General SHQ BSF (CI Ops) JK Birdi.
Also Read: Manipur: Man shot dead in sleep, four others killed in fresh violence in Jiribam
