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The northeastern Indian state of Manipur has been rocked by fresh waves of violence in recent days, with suspected Kuki insurgents launching drone and rocket attacks that have resulted in numerous casualties among civilians and security forces. These attacks mark a disturbing escalation of the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities, which first erupted in May 2023.
India Today TV reporters, visiting villages located in the foothills where the drone and rocket attacks occurred, witnessed the devastating consequences of the violence. In Koutruk, a village in Imphal West district, the site resembled a warzone. The ground was littered with bomb fragments, covered in black and white ashes, and bore the scars of destroyed vehicles and houses. The scene highlighted the devastating impact of the recent attacks and the ongoing conflict.
Amidst these escalating tensions, security forces have been deployed to the violence-hit areas, urging residents to remain indoors due to the ongoing threat of more attacks. The Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) has been actively patrolling the foothill areas, while village defence forces have taken up positions with sniper rifles in their respective villages. The villagers, demonstrating their determination to protect their communities, have constructed bunkers as a defensive measure against drone attacks and rocket fire.
The villagers have also implemented a sophisticated surveillance system, employing spotters equipped with long-range binoculars to monitor areas suspected of being the origin of attacks. The village defence forces have been equipped with hi-tech walkie-talkie sets, bulletproof vests, and barrel guns, demonstrating the gravity of the situation and the necessity for enhanced security measures.
The recent attacks have marked a shift in tactics, with the insurgents now employing more powerful weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), which have a significantly longer striking range than the homemade pump guns previously used. This escalation has prompted security forces to intensify their combing operations, seizing weapons, including RPGs and high-end assault rifles, from various locations.
The violence has not been confined to the remote villages. In Imphal, the state capital, a protest erupted where people carried torches and marched towards the Governor's house, chanting slogans against the recent violence. The protesters attempted to enter the Governor's house but were dispersed by security forces. This highlights the growing public frustration and anger at the ongoing conflict and the perceived inaction of authorities.
In the wake of the attacks, the Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, met with the Governor and demanded that the responsibility and powers of security in the state be returned to him. Currently, the central government has entrusted the responsibility of law and order and security to a security advisor appointed by the Union Home Ministry. The recent escalation of violence has prompted the Manipur Police to deploy anti-drone systems in the region and acquire more such systems and anti-drone guns.
The rise in drone and rocket attacks has introduced a new dimension to the conflict, adding to the already volatile situation. The conflict has claimed over 200 lives, and with no immediate end in sight, the fear of further escalation and loss of life remains a stark reality.
Source: Ground report: Burnt vehicles, houses, bomb fragments in Manipur amid fresh violence