In a troubling escalation of violence in Manipur, a 23-year-old woman was injured today in a drone bomb attack in Senjam Chirang, located in the Imphal West district. The incident marks the latest in a series of drone assaults reportedly carried out by suspected Kuki insurgents.
The attack occurred around 6:20 pm, when two bombs were dropped from drones, injuring Watham Sanatonbi Devi. This fresh assault follows a similar attack on the previous day, when several drones launched by the same insurgent group dropped bombs in Koutruk village, also in Imphal West district.
In addition to the drone attack, unidentified assailants targeted an India Reserve Battalion (IRB) post at Sagolmang in Imphal East district early Monday morning. The attackers managed to steal two assault rifles and a light machine gun before escaping.
The violence has resulted in a number of casualties. On Sunday, two people were killed, and nine others, including a 12-year-old girl, were injured in a combination of firing and drone attacks by suspected Kuki insurgents. The injured girl was reportedly shot in the head during the attacks.
The ongoing violence has prompted significant concern from local residents and civil society groups. Despite the deployment of police and central security forces, the frequency of drone attacks has intensified, prompting calls for a reassessment of the security measures in place.
Manipur BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh has urged the Central Government to reconsider the presence of central forces in the state. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Singh suggested that if the central forces are unable to restore peace, they should be withdrawn, allowing state security personnel to take over. Singh criticized the current central forces as ineffective, describing them as “mute spectators.”
In response to the escalating violence, security forces have initiated a joint combing operation in the regions between Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi and Meitei-dominated Imphal West districts. Despite these efforts, the recent attack underscores the ongoing challenges in stabilizing the region.
The Home Department has vowed to take strong action against those responsible for the attacks, emphasizing that violence against unarmed civilians will not be tolerated. The government remains committed to restoring peace in the conflict-ridden state.
Sources By Agencies
