Manipur Violence: Guns Fall Silent for 12 hours Since 1.30 AM, Uneasy Calm in State, CM Condemns Use of Drones on Civilians

“Dropping of bombs on civilian population and security forces by using drones is an act of terrorism and I condemn such cowardly acts,” CM Biren Singh said

Uneasy calm prevails in Manipur after the guns have fallen silent at least for 12 hours now since 1:30 AM of September 3. At least 2 people, including a woman have died and several others have been injured in the violence that erupted on September 1.

Heavy firing was reported from Senjam Chirang in Imphal West late last night between security forces and armed men with villagers fleeing their houses in search of safety. The cross-firing continued till around 1 AM today morning. Security forces are maintaining strict vigil in the area.
Fresh violence broke out in Manipur on September 1 after intense firing was reported from Koutruk along the Imphal West-Kangpokpi border. The Manipur home department had mentioned that drones were used to drop bombs and other sophisticated weapons were used reportedly by Kuki militants resulting in the deaths and injuries.
Firing was reported on September 2 morning from multiple locations along the periphery areas which include Koutruk and Sekmai in Imphal West and Sinam Khul in Imphal East.
High-tech drones were used to deploy Rocket Propelled Grenades making it a significant escalation and the police suspect the involvement of highly trained professionals, possibly with technical expertise and support, Manipur Police said.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has strongly condemned the fresh spate of attacks in the state.

“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 Singh said in a tweet on X.

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…

— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) September 3, 2024

There was mobilisation of armed miscreants in many places which had seen intense conflict in the past. When the attack started in Koutruk, immediately IGP, DIG and SP and other police forces rushed into the area to counter the situation. Retaliatory firing and combing operations along with Army and Central Forces were conducted. PHQ also gave instruction to all senior formations and all District SsP to remain vigilant, alert all forces in their respective districts and conduct joint operation by coordinating with Central Forces.

All forces in all Districts of the State were in alert mode throughout the night. Joint operations were conducted in border areas between Churachandpur and Kakching Districts, Churachandpur and Bishnupur Districts, Kangpokpi and Imphal West, Kangpokpi and Imphal East and Kakching and Tegnoupal.

Such proactive measures based on solid intelligence by the Police and Central Forces averted many untoward incidents yesterday night. Two police personnel were also injured in yesterday’s incident.

Later, the Police Department also received instructions from Home Department, Manipur to conduct operation in the bordering areas of Imphal West and the stretch from Keithelmanbi to Koutruk areas.
“Search Operation, Movement of Essential Items and Naka Checking: Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts. Movement of 229 and 214 vehicles along NH-37 and NH-2 respectively with essential items have been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles. A total of 102 Nakas/Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and Police detained 222 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the State,” Manipur Police said in a tweet on X.

Search Operation, Movement of Essential Items and Naka Checking:

Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts.

Movement of 229 and 214 vehicles along NH-37 and NH-2 respectively with… pic.twitter.com/LQWGGO0Iin

— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) September 2, 2024

Also Read: Manipur Wakes Up To Another Round of Intense Firing in Several Locations of West Imphal

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