Manipur Govt Seeks Centres Help Following Recent Drone Attacks

The N Biren Singh-led Manipur government has sought help from the Centre in the wake of this week’s drone attacks in which 2 people, including a woman have died and several others have been injured.

Following the recent drone attacks along the Kangchup hill stretches, including Kadangband, Koutruk, and Senjam Chirang areas by armed groups from the hills, Manipur DGP Rajiv Singh, accompanied by Imphal West SP and Commandant of the 2nd Manipur Rifles, visited the affected sites today to assess the situation.

Addressing the media in Kadangband the DGP Rajiv Singh informed that the State Government has sought assistance from Delhi, and Chief Minister Biren Singh is taking the situation seriously and has been talking to several people on different fronts.

DGP Singh added that a high-level committee has been constituted to counter the drone threats and the state has requested the expertise of Delhi-based agencies, including the NSG, to address the emerging security challenge posed by these drone attacks.

He described the drone attacks as a “new phenomenon” that requires urgent attention and assured that the perpetrators will not be spared.

“We are taking it very seriously. We have spoken to everybody from here (State) to Delhi. We have also spoken to NSG to address the emerging security challenge. We have formed a committee to study about drones and and how to tackle such attacks. We have also invited some experts to the state. Very soon, we will find a solution,” said DGP Singh.

Reacting to the frustration expressed by the villages and the ‘Mute Spectators’ allegations against the central forces.

DGP Rajiv Singh highlighted that, apart from Assam Rifles, 198 companies of central forces are already deployed in the strife-torn state.

He emphasised that more forces are needed, as only state forces cannot handle the ongoing crisis. He also warned that actions will be taken against any forces failing to perform their duties effectively.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Biren Singh has strongly condemned the fresh spate of attacks in the state.

Taking to social media, CM N Biren stated that dropping bombs on civilian populations and security forces by using drones is an act of terrorism.

“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,” CM N Biren Singh tweeted.