Militant Attacks Escalate in Manipur: Homes Burnt and Residents Flee

Suspected militants burned five abandoned houses in Koutruk village, Manipur, before being chased away by security forces. The attack, marked by the use of rocket-propelled grenades and drones, caused widespread panic among residents, forcing them to flee. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

In a violent escalation in Manipur's Imphal West district, suspected militants burned at least five abandoned houses in the village of Koutruk, police reported on Monday. The attack started on Sunday afternoon with militants firing indiscriminately from the hilltops into the low-lying areas of Koutruk and adjacent Kadangband.

According to a senior police officer, despite the destructive assault, security forces managed to push the militants back by Sunday night. The attackers' use of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and drones marked a significant and troubling technological escalation. Police revealed that the militants, who had already caused the residents to flee their homes, had utilized drones to deploy explosives.

The state government has urged residents to maintain calm while combing operations are ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats. Two people were killed, and nine sustained injuries in the attack. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation, prepared to address any emerging contingencies.

(With inputs from agencies.)