Steps taken to stop drone attacks, NSC intimated: DGP
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 03 2024: Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh has acknowledged gravity of situation prevailing in the state following the recent aerial bombings using drones over villages in fringe areas of Imphal West district.

During a visit to Koutruk and Kadangband areas on Tuesday, he interacted with local residents and assured them that countermeasures are being put in place and they are in contact with National Security Guard (NSG) to address the escalating violence.

Locals expressed their concerns to the DGP, pointing out that Koutruk and Kadangband have become hotbeds of Kuki militant attacks since the crisis broke out on May 3 last year.

According to a local, personnel of central forces deployed in the region have been ineffective in preventing these attacks.

Instead, they remain in the safety of the camp as and when Kuki militants launch attacks and make it a point to conduct operations in the valley areas, rather than directly confronting the attackers.

The resident also highlighted drone bombings in the area over the past few days, which have resulted in two fatalities and several injuries.

During the attack in Koutruk on Saturday, the villagers sought assistance from the BSF camp stationed nearby, but they closed the gate, and the personnel remained inside, taking no action.

A convoy of CRPF personnel also arrived in their Casspir vehicles but did not intervene, despite requests from the villagers.

They remained inside their bulletproof vehicles.

The only response came from the Manipur Rifles personnel, who retaliated the heavy firing from the Kuki militants.

The resident expressed lack of faith in the central forces and requested the DGP to replace them with state forces.

In response, DGP Rajiv Singh assured the residents that measures are being taken to address the situation.

He also talked to the BSF post commander, instructing him to use force to retaliate if further attacks occur.

The DGP also informed the locals that a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the drone bombings and work out countermeasures.

Regarding the demand for replacement of central forces, the DGP explained that the state police alone could not manage the multiple fronts of conflict due to manpower inadequacy and suggested joint deployment of central and state forces to better address the security challenges.

He also instructed all security forces to take action against such attacks.

Speaking to reporters during his visit, the DGP acknowledged escalation of violence in the area.

"This is a new thing, and things have escalated.

We are taking it very seriously," he said along with revealing that the police have been in contact with the National Security Guards (NSG) and that more experts are being brought in to deal with the situation.

"We have constituted a committee to critically examine the drones.

We will soon search for means to deal with the drone attacks.

We have some means to deal with drones, and we are trying to deploy those," Rajiv Singh added.

He also informed that operations are being conducted in areas from where the attacks originated.

"Operations have been conducted yesterday and today, and items have been seized.

Further combing operations would be conducted," he said.

Addressing the demands for removal of central forces due to their alleged inability to curb the violence, the DGP said, "The Centre is providing us with all support, and they are worried over the situation.

We are working together to tackle it.

Right now, there is requirement for manpower, and the state police alone could not provide it as they are deployed in other normal law and order duties.

So obviously, we need central forces" .

He also mentioned that, apart from Assam Rifles, there are 198 companies of central forces currently deployed in the state, working alongside the state police.

"Everyone is working together.

There will be some complaints of inaction or passive role, and we will look into those.

If we receive information about inaction, we will definitely take action, be it state or central forces.

I have spoken to Assam Rifles and other commanders, and they are also taking the issue seriously," he concluded.

Comment