In the latest violent incident on district borders in Manipur, two people were killed and 10 others injured in a shooting and bomb attack in Kowtrak area, Imphal west, where two policemen and a television reporter were killed. Manipur police reported that an unprecedented attack occurred in Kowtrak, where suspected Kuki militiamen used an advanced drone to launch multiple anti-tank grenades. According to a report in the Indian Express, police officials estimated that around seven of these explosives were used against villages.
While the use of drones in warfare is not new, the recent use of drones to deploy explosives against both security forces and civilians is believed to represent a significant escalation, with highly trained professionals with technical expertise and support involved. One of those killed in the attack in Kowtlaq was 35-year-old Ngambam Surbara, who was shot in the head. His 11-year-old daughter also sustained a gunshot wound to her right arm.
Details of the attack
The shooting began around 2pm on Sunday and continued till around 7.30pm, with tension continuing into the night. Locals reported that houses in Kowtlaq were set on fire and many villagers fled to safer areas, according to an IE report.
Kowtlaq is a Meitei village in Imphal West district, close to the border with Kangpokpi district, and is home to a large proportion of the Kukizomi population. The state is heavily affected by the ongoing conflict, with frequent shooting incidents.
Government response
Manipur Police Commissioner Rajiv Singh has instructed all district police chiefs to maintain strict vigil and remain vigilant in the border areas. He also stressed the need for coordination between various security forces and joint search operations.
The Manipur state government's Ministry of Home Affairs condemned the violence as a "terrorist act against unarmed villagers." The statement accused the Kuki militia of trying to undermine the country's peace efforts and promised immediate action to resolve the situation and punish those responsible.
The outbreak of violence in Manipur comes after months of relative calm between Meitei and Kuki Zomi districts, which have been flashpoints of conflict since May. The previous major incident left two CRPF soldiers dead and two others injured in Bishnupur district on April 27. The violence came a day after a rally organised by the Kuki Zo community to protest against the current Manipur government led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
