Hide and strike: Manipur's suspected militants are ditching guns for drones, posing a dangerous security threat

In the midst of Manipur’s prolonged 16-month ethnic conflict, both central and state forces are now contending with a new threat from above: drones fitted with explosives, which are being used by suspected tribal militants. Authorities are turning to the National Security Guard (NSG) for help in addressing this aerial challenge before it escalates further.

"This adds another dimension to the conflict. We have spoken to the director general of NSG and his team. Experts are coming here. We have some counter-measures that we will deploy," said DGP Rajiv Singh.

The conflict, which turned into communal agitation in 2023, has led to the killings of at least 225 people, with numerous injuries, and thousands of displacements, exacerbating the divide between the hills and the valley. The emergence of weaponized drones in the hands of militants is proving to be a challenging obstacle for police and central forces who are accustomed to conventional combat strategies.

Currently, around 60,000 central security personnel are stationed in Manipur.

Early Monday morning, at approximately 2:30 am, drone attacks targeted and destroyed three India Reserve Battalion (IRB) bunkers in Meikhang village, located in Imphal East district.

Later in the day, BJP legislator R K Imo Singh sent an email to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, criticizing the effectiveness of the 60,000-strong central forces contingent in restoring law and order amid the prolonged violence. Singh, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, urged Shah to withdraw the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), which he accused of being "mostly present as mute spectators," and to empower state forces to "take charge and bring peace."

Singh noted that the drone strikes were a troubling development, leading him to call for a reassessment of the Centre’s response to the ongoing violence.

He also proposed that the Unified Command overseeing law and order be transferred to the state government. Singh welcomed the recent decision to replace some Assam Rifles units with CRPF, citing issues with cooperation from the Assam Rifles and the public.

Chief Minister Biren Singh visited Senjam Chirang village, where Watham Sanatombi Devi was injured by two bombs dropped on her home by drones. On the same day, three IRB bunkers in Meikhang village near Sinam in Imphal East were hit by drone strikes. After reinforcements arrived, a gunfight ensued for nearly two hours, resulting in the militants retreating with an INSAS Rifle, a Kalashnikov, and a Light Machine Gun (LMG) from the bunkers, according to sources.

MLA Imo Singh also urged the Home Minister to terminate agreements suspending operations against tribal militant groups, which he claims are fueling further violence. Congress has labeled the drone bombings as a serious threat to national security, suggesting that even high-profile sites such as Raj Bhavan and the Chief Minister's residence might not be safe.

(With inputs from TOI)