 |
|
The horrifying incident in Koutruk village, Manipur, on September 1st, has left an indelible mark on an 8-year-old girl, Rojiya. While her mother, Ngangbam Surbala, was fatally shot during a drone attack, Rojiya witnessed the gruesome scene firsthand. This incident exemplifies the escalating violence in Manipur, characterized by the alleged use of drones to launch rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) against civilians and security forces.
Rojiya, who was with her mother during the attack, experienced the terror firsthand. As her mother was struck by a bullet, Rojiya was grazed by another, leaving her with a bleeding arm. However, the young girl was more concerned about her mother, attempting to wake her after she collapsed. This horrifying experience has left Rojiya traumatized, and she remains eerily quiet, struggling to cope with the loss and the memories of the attack. Her father, a village defence force personnel, reports that she shudders at the slightest sounds, haunted by the echoes of explosions and gunfire.
The alleged drone attack in Koutruk has raised serious concerns about the escalation of violence in Manipur. While the police claim drones were used, the Army has yet to find evidence. This lack of confirmation highlights the complex and evolving nature of the conflict, as well as the difficulty in verifying information in the midst of escalating tensions. This incident has led to heightened security measures, with the Army deploying anti-drone technology in the region and other security forces being instructed to procure similar technology.
The bombing incident, which lasted for over three hours, resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to two security personnel. This act of violence, allegedly perpetrated by drones, marks a significant escalation in the conflict, raising concerns about the potential for further bloodshed and the use of sophisticated weaponry in the ongoing unrest. While the Kuki Inpi, the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has denied involvement in the bombing, the incident has underscored the fragile peace in Manipur and the need for a comprehensive solution to address the underlying issues that have fueled the violence.