'Dropping of Bombs on Civilian Population An Act of Terrorism': Manipur CM on Drone Attacks

Imphal: The Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh has issued a statement after drone attacks hit parts of the state on two consecutive days, killing two and injuring several others. The Manipur CM has condemned the drone attacks and has called them an ‘act of terrorism’.

'Dropping of Bombs... An Act of Terrorism': Manipur CM

Condemning the drone attacks in the state that killed two and injured at least 14, the Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh has issued a statement via the social media platform ‘X’.

The Manipur CM's statement reads, “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. 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. We denounce all forms of violence, and the people of Manipur shall unite together against hate, division and separatism.”

Govt Constitutes High-Level Committee for Investigation

The state government has constituted a five-member high-level committee to investigate into the drone strikes that have hit parts of the state in the past two days. The committee will examine and study the drones deployed and will also collect evidence and study specifications of the drones used. The high-level committee will also explore the counter measures.

The five-member committee constituted by the Manipur government will be headed by Ashutosh Kumar Sinha, ADGP (Int) who will be the Chairman. The five members are-

1. Shri Ashutosh Kumar Sinha, IPS, Addl. DGP (Int) Manipur -Chairman
2. Major General SS Kartikeya, GOC, 57 Mtn Div, Leimakhong.
3. Maj Gen Ravroop Singh, IGAR (S), Mantripukhri.
4. Shri Vipul Kumar, IPS, IG CRPF, M&N Sector, Langing.
5. Shri J K Birdi, DIG, SHQ BSF CI (Ops) Manipur.

Manipur Police Issues Statement on Drone Strikes

In a post on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter), the Manipur Police said that as per the initial investigation, there seems to be an involvement of highly-trained professionals.

The post reads, “In an unprecedented attack in Koutruk, Imphal West, alleged Kuki militants have deployed numerous RPGs using high-tech drones. While drone bombs have commonly been used in general warfares, this recent deployment of drones to deploy explosives against security forces and the civilians marks a significant escalation. The involvement of highly trained professionals, possibly with technical expertise and support, cannot be ruled out. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and the police are prepared to respond to any contingency that may arise....Police appeals to the general public to maintain restraint.”

State Govt on Manipur Drone Attacks

Manipur government has condemned the violence and has issued a statement; it reads, "The State Government has learnt about the unfortunate incident of the attack on unarmed Koutruk villagers using drones, bombs and many sophisticated weapons on Sunday reportedly by Kuki militants causing the death of two persons including one woman and injuries to many.”

The government's statement further says, “Such act of terrorising upon the unarmed villagers is viewed very seriously by the State Government when the State Government is putting all possible efforts towards bringing normalcy and peace to the State. Such an act of creating havoc among the unarmed villagers reportedly by Kuki militants is seen as an attempt to derail the efforts taken by the State Government to establish peace in the State.”