Drones Spotted in Manipur Prompt Residents to Switch Off Lights at Home.
On the night of September 6, 2024, residents in the peripheral areas of Bishnupur and Imphal East districts of Manipur were gripped by fear as multiple drones were sighted overhead. The alarming sightings prompted many to turn off their lights, creating an eerie darkness in homes as communities braced for potential threats. This heightened sense of anxiety follows a series of violent incidents in the region, including the use of drones by militants to drop bombs earlier in the week
Recent Drone Activity
The recent drone sightings were reported in areas such as Narainsena, Nambol Kamong in Bishnupur district, and Pukhao, Dolaithabi, and Shantipur in Imphal East district. Officials confirmed that these drones were likely linked to militant activities, which have escalated in intensity and sophistication. Earlier in the week, drones were used in attacks that resulted in casualties, including two deaths and several injuries in Imphal West district
The use of drones as weapons is a relatively new phenomenon in Manipur, first observed on September 1, 2024, in Koutruk village. During that attack, militants not only deployed drones but also used firearms, leading to the deaths of two individuals and injuring nine others. The following day, another drone attack occurred in Senjam Chirang, approximately three kilometers away, injuring three more people
Panic Among Residents
As drones hovered over their neighborhoods, residents expressed their fear by turning off their lights, hoping to avoid detection. The sighting of drones, combined with the recent history of violence, created a palpable sense of panic. Reports indicated that several illumination rounds were fired into the sky in Bishnupur district, further contributing to the confusion and fear among the public. It remains unclear whether these rounds were fired by security forces or other unidentified entities
Security forces have been placed on high alert in the region, closely monitoring the movement of large groups of people. Officials emphasized the need for vigilance in light of the recent attacks and the potential for further violence
Rocket Attacks Escalate Tensions
The drone sightings came on the heels of rocket attacks that occurred earlier that same day, which resulted in one fatality and several injuries. The first rocket attack was reported around 4:30 a.m. in Tronglaobi, damaging two structures. A second rocket struck the residence of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng in Moirang, killing a 72-year-old man and injuring a 13-year-old girl along with four others. These attacks have heightened tensions in the region, prompting widespread fear and unrest
According to police sources, the rockets used in these attacks were locally improvised and fired from the Thangjing hill ranges of Churachandpur district towards the low-lying areas of Moirang town. In response to the escalating violence, security forces destroyed three militant bunkers in Churachandpur district, demonstrating a proactive approach to countering the threats posed by insurgents
Community Response
In the wake of these incidents, markets and shops in Moirang town and surrounding areas were shut down, and schools were closed on September 7 as a precautionary measure. Thousands of residents across five districts in the Imphal Valley formed human chains to protest the violence and demand peace. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a group of civil organizations, declared a "public emergency" across the five districts, reflecting the gravity of the situation
Ongoing Violence and Its Impact
The recent violence in Manipur is part of a larger pattern of ethnic conflicts that have plagued the state since May of the previous year, resulting in over 200 deaths and thousands of people displaced from their homes. The introduction of drones and rocket attacks into the conflict has escalated the situation, raising concerns about the safety of civilians and the effectiveness of current security measures
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are conducting aerial patrols using military helicopters and holding high-level security meetings to assess the ongoing threats. The community remains on edge, with many residents fearing for their safety amid the uncertainty of future attacks.
