NIA submission debunks claims by ex-DG AR, Army chief on drone bombings
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 07 2024:
The National Investigation Agency's (NIA) latest submission to a special court has substantiated the use of drones by Kuki militants in the aerial bombardment of Koutruk and Kadangband villages on September 1 .
This evidence challenges earlier claims made by former Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) Lt Gen (Retd) PC Nair and Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, who had dismissed the allegations of drone bombings as baseless narratives.
According to the NIA's detailed report, unidentified Kuki terrorists attacked Koutruk and Kadangband villagers using drones and sniper rifles from elevated positions.
The attacks, which began at around 2:00 pm, continued until the early hours of the next day.
The assault continued until 6:00 pm, causing significant casualties, including the death of a 31-year-old woman and critical injuries to her young daughter.
The militants also set several homes, trucks, and equipment ablaze after nightfall in Koutruk Chingthak Leikai.
The forensic evidence, including audio-video footage of the attack and drone debris collected from the site, has been presented to the special court and sealed for further investigation by the NIA.
These findings directly contradict earlier assertions by Lt Gen (Retd) Nair and General Dwivedi, who had downplayed reports of drone attacks.
In September last year, Lt Gen (Retd) Nair dismissed the use of drones by Kuki militants and referred to rockets as modified versions of "Pompi Guns" used in the region for decades.
Similarly, General Dwivedi described the reports of drone bombings as part of a "battle of narratives" and stated that no drones were used to drop bombs.
Manipur Police strongly refuted these claims, with IGP (Administration) K Jayanta and IGP IK Muivah emphasising that evidence from drone strike sites had been collected and was being analysed.
The police also confirmed their intent to hand over such cases to the NIA, reiterating the seriousness of the drone bombings and long-range rocket attacks.
The NIA submission has now provided tangible proof of the use of drones in the September 1 attack, bolstering the narrative of escalating violence in Manipur.
The case's special public prosecutor highlighted the grave implications of militants employing advanced technology like drones to target civilians from significant heights.
This revelation has renewed scrutiny over the effectiveness of central forces in curbing the violence.
Earlier, Sagolband MLA RK Imo had expressed his dissatisfaction with the deployment of central forces, arguing that their presence has been ineffective in restoring peace.
Local residents of Koutruk and Kadangband echoed similar concerns, pointing out the inability of central forces to prevent militant attacks and calling for greater involvement of state forces.
In the aftermath of the drone bombings, widespread panic reigned in the valley areas, especially in the foothills with residents switching off lights at night to avoid becoming targets.
The use of drones and advanced weaponry by militants represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has gripped Manipur since May 2023 .
The NIA's findings not only underscore the need for stronger countermeasures but also challenge attempts to downplay the gravity of the situation.
The agency's investigation has brought critical evidence to light, contradicting earlier dismissive claims by top military officials and emphasising the urgent need to address the growing threat posed by armed groups in the region.
Comment
