In a first known instance of weaponised drones being used to target civilians by insurgents in India, two people were killed and nine others injured in Manipur on Sunday.
The drones, which dropped bombs on civilian areas, were followed by further attacks on Monday, including the destruction of three India Reserve Battalion bunkers in Meikhang village, Imphal East district.
The use of these drones marks a new and alarming development in the conflict. These weaponised drones are capable of operating from distances ranging between 500 meters and 15 kilometers.
They can carry various types of explosives, including hand grenades and mortar bombs, and are equipped with rotor systems that allow them to hover and capture images, adding to the complexity of the threat.
State DGP Rajiv Singh commented on the unprecedented nature of the attack, stating, “This (drone attack) is a new thing. We are in touch with experts, including the National Security Guards (NSG). We have formed a multi-agency committee to make a plan on countering the drone threat. The experts are coming to Manipur.” He also noted ongoing operations to address the attacks and indicated that further combing operations are planned.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the drone bombings as acts of terrorism, denouncing all forms of violence. The central government has mobilized 198 companies of central forces in addition to the Assam Rifles to address the situation and provide support to local security efforts.
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NSG called in as Manipur faces India’s first drone attack by insurgents
