News18
Police at a hospital after suspected Kuki militants attacked Koutruk villagers, in Imphal. (PTI Photo)
Officials said that during the September 1 attack, when alleged Kuki militants deployed several RPGs using high-tech drones, the situation became so dire that forces were struggling to exit their vehicles
Just like Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur will also have multiple anti-drone guns following an unprecedented and concerning shift in attacks by Kuki militants. According to a top-level official, the forces have decided to use the guns and the local government will procure additional units to address the new type of attack.
On September 1, for the first time, in an attack in Koutruk, Imphal West, alleged Kuki militants deployed several RPGs using high-tech drones to target forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF). Officials in Manipur reported that the situation became so dire that forces were struggling to exit their vehicles.
“Kuki militants used drones to drop bombs on the BSF and local Manipur Police deployed in the area. Whenever personnel tried to exit their vehicles, the militants dropped more bombs using drones. After sunset, the forces managed to counter the threat effectively. We also successfully captured a drone that fell,” a senior official deployed in Manipur told News18.
The incident has shocked top security officials, including those from the Ministry of Home Affairs. To counter such attacks, anti-drone guns will be deployed, and forces will be instructed to shoot down drones, just as on the India-Pakistan border. To address the current situation, Assam Rifles will deploy their anti-drone gun, and the state government will procure additional units. The deployment of anti-drone guns will be done strategically, with equal spacing to create a web-like cover, the official said.
“While drone bombs have been used in general warfare, this recent deployment of drones to drop explosives on security forces and civilians represents a significant escalation. The involvement of highly trained professionals with technical expertise and support cannot be ruled out. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and the police are prepared to respond to any contingencies that may arise,” the Manipur Police said.
Union government officials are also concerned about the attack, given that even Intelligence agencies were unaware that militants were planning to attack forces using drones.
During the drone attack, one civilian, identified as 31-year-old Ngangbam Surbala, succumbed to bullet injuries, while her eight-year-old daughter was injured in the arm. Additionally, two police personnel and three civilians sustained injuries.
