Drone sightings trigger panic, residents turn off lights at night
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 07 2024: Widespread panic gripped several parts of the state after multiple drone sightings were reported.

Following recent incidents where Kuki militants used drones to drop bombs on civilian populations in Imphal West district, many residents in affected areas switched off their lights during the night as a precautionary measure.

On Friday night, drones were sighted hovering over Naranseina and Nambol Kamong in Bishnupur district, as well as over Pukhao, Dolaithabi, and Shantipur in Imphal East district.

Similar sightings were also reported in Pallel and Sugnu in Kakching district and near Imphal Airport on Friday and Saturday nights, further causing alarm among the local residents.

Though no official reports have confirmed these sightings or linked them to security forces, local people shared videos online showing blinking lights in the sky, believed to be drones.

Meanwhile, police statement said that on Saturday, between approximately 6:35 pm and 7:05 pm, an unidentified flying object was spotted above Imphal Airport by several individuals, though it was no longer visible afterward.

Senior officers from the police and CRPF promptly arrived at the scene to investigate.

It was determined that the last flight had departed from Imphal between 6:30 pm and 6:35 pm.

A video circulating on social media appears to show the visual of this last flight.

However, upon cardful examination, the authenticity of the reported drone sighting above the airport could not be confirmed.

The growing unease follows drone bombing in Koutruk, Kadangband and Senjam Chirang villages in Imphal West district and rocket attacks launched by Kuki militants earlier on Friday morning, targeting Tronglaobi and Moirang in Bishnupur district.

Villagers reported seeing drones hovering over Tronglaobi area the night before the rocket attack, adding to the fears that drones are being used for aerial assaults.

Panicked villagers responded by turning off lights in their homes, fearing further aerial attacks.

The state remains tense as drone sightings, coupled with recent militant attacks, continue to fuel anxiety among residents across the state.

Technical guides for creating drones, with ranges up to 7 to 10 km, are easily accessible online.

Since all the necessary components can be purchased, it would be simple for militant groups to either assemble DIY drones or acquire them from the market.

The geographical layout of Imphal Valley, which is surrounded by Kuki-dominated districts such as Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Tengnoupal, heightens the concern.

Drones launched from the surrounding hills could easily reach various parts of the valley, leaving the central areas.

This reality has further intensified the sense of fear and anxiety among the people.

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