Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday condemned the use of drones to bomb civilian areas in the state. He called it an act of terrorism.
“Dropping of bombs on civilian population and security forces by using drones is an act of terrorism and I condemn such cowardly acts in the strongest terms,” he wrote on X.
A fresh drone attack injured three people, including a 23-year-old woman, in the state on Monday evening. Singh assured people that the Manipur government was taking the assault seriously.
“Manipur state government takes such unprovoked assault with utmost seriousness and will take up necessary response to fight such forms of terrorism upon the indigenous population,” Singh said.
Kuki militants using “drone bombs” in Manipur. Operation all out is needed in Manipur now. pic.twitter.com/xwYPg962G9
— Frontalforce 🇮🇳 (@FrontalForce) September 2, 2024
“We denounce all forms of violence, and the people of Manipur shall unite together against hate, division, and separatism,” he added.
Suspected militants had used drones to drop explosives in Senjam Chirang locality, said police. The woman was hurt after the bomb pierced through the iron roof and exploded inside her home. Two others were also injured. All have been hospitalised.
Second drone attack in 2 days
This is the second drone attack in the area within two days. Senjam Chirang is just three kilometres from Koutruk, where another drone-led assault on Sunday caused two deaths and injured nine others.
It is believed that militants had fired indiscriminately from the hilltop in Kangpokpi district. Following this, security forces retaliated.
Cops launched search operations and recovered a drone from Kharam Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district. They also recovered arms and explosives.
High-level committee to probe drone bombings
A high-level committee has been set up by the Manipur police to investigate the drone bombings. The committee will be headed by Additional DGP (Intelligence) Ashutosh Kumar Sinha. It also includes senior officials from the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, and BSF. The will study the drones used by militants, collect relevant evidence, and propose measures. The panel is likely to submit its findings by September 13.
