In the past few days, a fresh wave of violence has erupted in the northeastern state of Manipur. Several attacks and killings have taken place, with at least seven people reportedly dead, including the brutal murder of an elderly Meitei man in his sleep by Kuki terrorists.
Exchange of fire between Kuki and Meitei communities
As per reports, four people were killed in an exchange of fire between Kuki and Meitei communities in Jiribam. An attack took place in Kakching district on 7th September. A day earlier, on 6th September, rocket attacks took place in Bishnupur district, in which one person reportedly died and five others were injured.
Rocket attacks in Bishnupur district
The first rocket attack took place at around 4:30 AM at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur, damaging two buildings. The second rocket attack targeted former Chief Minister Mairemban Koireng’s residence in Mairembam Lekai in Moirang town. One elderly man died and five others, including a 13-year-old girl, were injured. A separate bomb blast in Bishnupur left several people injured.
Drone attacks and anti-drone systems
Earlier, drones were used by terrorists to attack the general public, after which Manipur police deployed anti-drone systems in the region. Several such systems have been ordered, including anti-drone guns, to improve deployment.
Security measures in response to recent attacks
In view of the recent attacks, additional security forces and police teams have been deployed to conduct a combing operation in the hill ranges of Manipur. A military helicopter is also being used for aerial patrolling.
Drone sightings cause panic among residents
Reportedly, on the night of 6th September, residents of Bishnupur and Imphal East districts were advised to switch off their lights after several drones were seen in the area. Officials confirmed that multiple drones were sighted in Narainsena, Nambol Kamong in Bishnupur district, and Pukhao, Dolaithabi, Shantipur in Imphal East district, leading to panic among the general public.
CM holds emergency meeting
On 7th September, the Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, held an emergency meeting with the state’s ruling coalition leaders, including MLAs from the BJP, Naga People’s Front, and National People’s Party, to discuss the law and order situation. Soon after meeting the MLAs, Singh rushed to Raj Bhavan and met Governor L. Acharya to brief him about the situation.
COCOMI issues ultimatum to armed forces
Amid the escalating violence in Manipur, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has issued an ultimatum to the armed forces, demanding resolution of the conflict within five days. COCOMI warned that if the armed forces fail to act, the people of the state might resort to drastic measures to safeguard their population. The committee has accused Assam Rifles of complicity in the ongoing unrest and expressed deep dissatisfaction with the central forces’ handling of the situation. COCOMI has called for either a firm crackdown on the Kuki militant groups or the withdrawal of central armed forces from the state.
Forces recover arms and ammunition
On 6th September, a large cache of sophisticated arms, ammunition, explosives, and grenades was recovered by Manipur police. A total of nine sophisticated arms, 21 different types of ammunition, 21 explosives, grenades, and a wireless set were seized. Additionally, security forces destroyed three bunkers belonging to militants in Churachandpur district following rocket attacks. In two separate locations, there were attempts to loot arms from the Manipur Rifles; however, the attacks were repelled by combined security forces.
