Deadly Drone Grenade Attack in Manipur: First-Ever Bombing Escalates Conflict

Woman Killed in Drone Grenade Attack in Manipur

A woman was killed and 10 others injured in Manipur on Sunday when militants reportedly used drones to drop grenades, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to police, this is likely the first incident of its kind in the state.

Attack Near Imphal West and Kangpokpi Districts

Officials stated that the attack occurred around 2 pm near the border between Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts. Shots were fired from nearby hills, with Imphal West predominantly inhabited by Meiteis and Kangpokpi being a Kuki majority area.

Kuki Militants Allegedly Behind the Attack

The Manipur Police attributed the attack to "alleged Kuki militants," calling it a "significant escalation" with the use of tactics common in general warfare. The Kuki Inpi Manipur, an apex body of the Kuki community, claimed the incident occurred following an alleged ambush attempt on Kuki-Zo civilians.

Gunfight Between Militants and Security Forces Continues

The gunfight between militants and security personnel continued into the evening, with both state and central forces engaged in the operation. The security personnel remained on high alert as the situation unfolded.

Victim Identified as Ngangbam Ongbi Surbala

The deceased was identified as 35-year-old Ngangbam Ongbi Surbala, who was shot in the head. Her 11-year-old daughter was also injured, sustaining a gunshot wound to her right arm. The injured included five people hit by bullets and others hurt by splinters from the grenades.

Manipur Police Concerned Over Drone Warfare

Manipur Police expressed concern over the militants' use of drones to drop bombs, highlighting that this tactic has commonly been used in general warfare but is a new escalation in the Manipur conflict. They emphasized the possibility of professional and technical expertise behind the attack.

Kuki Inpi Manipur Calls for Action Against State Government

The Kuki Inpi Manipur urged the central government to take "immediate and decisive action" against the state government, accusing it of bias against the Kuki-Zo tribal population. The group called for a stronger response to restore peace.

Eyewitness Accounts of Drone Bombings

Sunil Ningthoujam, a local resident, recounted seeing two drones minutes before the bombs were dropped on his village. Several homes were set ablaze due to the explosions, further intensifying the conflict in the area.

First Instance of Militarized Drones in the Conflict

Sunday's attack marks the first time drones have been militarized in the ethnic conflict, which has claimed 227 lives and displaced thousands over the past 16 months. Previously, drones were primarily used for surveillance.

Security Concerns Over Drone Warfare in Hills

A senior security officer noted that militants from the hills, who have a strategic advantage, used the drones to target Meitei villages in the foothills. The use of drones to drop bombs is seen as a major shift from the earlier use of country-made mortars.

Attempt to Disrupt Peace Efforts

Security officials believe the drone attack was an attempt by militants to disrupt peace efforts initiated by the central government. The state government has condemned the attack and pledged to take immediate action.

State Government Condemns Attack, Promises Action

The Manipur home department strongly condemned the attack, labeling it an effort to derail peace initiatives. The state government has promised to take action against those involved and restore order in the affected areas.