‘Involvement of Possible Foreign Hand’: Cong MP Bimol Akoijam On Manipur Drone Violence | Exclusive

Manipur: In the ongoing conflict in Manipur, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh on Tuesday emphasized the necessity of continued central force assistance, stating that the state police alone cannot manage the severe violence. Since May last year, over 200 people have died and thousands have been displaced due to ethnic clashes between the Meiteis of the Imphal Valley and the Kukis from the adjacent hills. The situation has recently escalated with the use of drones by militants to launch bomb attacks on villages of the rival community.

While speaking with Republic Media Network’s Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, Congress MP Bimol Akoijam underscored the seriousness of the situation, particularly highlighting the use of drones against Indian armed forces. 

Akoijam called for a thorough investigation, suggesting that the situation may involve international dimensions. 

“The situation in Manipur is extremely serious,” Akoijam stated. “The recent drone attacks on Indian armed forces are a significant escalation that requires immediate and serious investigation. There are concerns about international involvement, as evidenced by the type of weapons and drones used, which are not typically in the arsenal of the Indian Army.”

Akoijam pointed out that the conflict appears to have transcended local disputes, suggesting a possible foreign hand in the turmoil. He also mentioned the troubling rise in drug and weapon flows into the region, which he believes might indicate international interference.

“The visuals and reports we are seeing suggest that this is not merely a local issue,” Akoijam continued. “The expertise seen in these attacks and the flow of illicit substances and arms suggest there might be a broader international dimension to the crisis. We must consider the possibility of international intervention in understanding and resolving the chaos in Manipur.”