Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba has convened a high-level meeting to investigate the use of drones by militants in a recent attack on Koutruk village. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, involved the use of drones, bombs, and sophisticated weapons, reportedly by Kuki militants, resulting in the death of one woman and injuries to several others, including three police officers. The committee, formed during the meeting on Monday, includes five members: Additional Director General of Police (DGP) Ashutosh Kumar Sinha, Major General SS Kartikeya, Major General Ravroop Singh, IPS officer Vipul Kumar, and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) JK Birdi. The committee has been tasked with examining the deployment of drones in the attack and will submit its report by September 13, 2024.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condemned the attack, calling it “an act of terrorism” and denouncing the use of drones to target civilians and security forces. He emphasized the need for unity against hate, division, and separatism, and vowed that the state government would take the necessary measures to address such forms of terrorism. The Manipur Police confirmed the unprecedented use of drones by alleged Kuki militants in the attack and reported the recovery of one drone from Kharam Vaiphei, Kangpokpi District, during subsequent search operations on September 2.
Earlier, the Manipur Police had confirmed the reports of usage of Drones in the attack in Kotruk, ” In an unprecedented attack in Koutruk, Imphal West, alleged Kuki militants have deployed numerous RPGs using high-tech drones. While drone bombs have commonly been used in general warfares, this recent deployment of drones to deploy explosives against security forces and the civilians marks a significant escalation.”
On September 2, during search operations and area domination conducted by the security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas the Police recovered 1 drone from Kharam Vaiphei, Kangpokpi District.
