Manipur CM N Biren Singh Condemns Drone Bomb Attacks

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has condemned the recent drone bomb attacks on civilians, describing them as acts of terrorism. Two separate attacks in Koutruk and Senjam Chirang resulted in two deaths and 12 injuries. Singh vowed decisive action and emphasized unity against violence and hate.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday condemned the drone bomb attacks on civilians, calling them acts of terrorism and promising a firm response.

Expressing his outrage on X, Singh stated, ''Dropping bombs on civilian populations and security forces using drones is an act of terrorism, and I condemn such cowardly acts in the strongest terms.'' The statement followed two separate drone bomb attacks in Koutruk and Senjam Chirang in Imphal West district, which left two persons dead, including a woman, and injured 12 others.

''The Manipur state government takes such unprovoked assaults with utmost seriousness and will respond decisively to combat these forms of terrorism targeting the indigenous population,'' Singh vowed.

He stressed, ''We denounce all forms of violence, and the people of Manipur shall unite against hate, division, and separatism.'' This incident marks the first use of ''hi-tech weapons'' such as drones in the state.

Previously used by warring groups for surveillance, the use of drones for bombing signifies a major escalation, an official informed PTI.

Regarding the Koutruk attack, the official said, ''Police responded promptly.'' ''There was mobilisation of armed miscreants in multiple locations that have seen intense conflict in the past. When the attack began in Koutruk, high-ranking police officials and other forces rushed to counter the situation. Retaliatory firing and combing operations were carried out in coordination with the Army and central forces,'' a police statement detailed.

Police headquarters have instructed all senior formations and district SPs to stay vigilant, alert all forces in their areas, and conduct joint operations with central forces.

Additionally, Manipur police have formed a five-member ''high-level committee'' to investigate the militants' use of drones.

A police department notification issued on Monday stated, ''In an unprecedented attack in Koutruk on September 1, alleged Kuki militants employed numerous RPGs using hi-tech drones, resulting in one female civilian's death and injuries to several others, including three police officers.'' ''To critically examine and study the militants' drone use, gather all relevant evidence, understand drone specifications, and find effective countermeasures, a five-member high-level committee has been formed,'' it added, stating the committee may include other technical members as deemed fit. The committee will be led by Additional DGP (Intelligence) Ashutosh Kumar Sinha and include officers from the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, and BSF.

(With inputs from agencies.)