BSF ex-ADG sees foreign hands in drone attacks
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 03 2024: Former additional director general (ADG) of Border Security Force (BSF) PK Mishra has made an alarming remark, hinting at involvement of foreign hands in the recent incidents of using drones to drop bombs in Koutruk, Kadang-band and Senjam Chirang areas of Imphal West district.

According to PK Mishra, it marks the first time drones have been noticed in the current conflict in Manipur to drop bombs.

In an interview with News9Live, PK Mishra stated that members of village volunteer force (belonging to Meetei community) were removed prior to the attack, despite intelligence reports suggesting an imminent threat.

He emphasised that this is a concerning development, highlighting that drones similar to stealth drones used by China and Pakistan for dropping IEDs and drugs in Punjab or elsewhere have now been seen in Manipur.

Mishra mentioned that he had spoken to several senior leaders in Manipur, including an eyewitness who is an ex-MLA, former vice-chancellor of Manipur University, and former director of RIMS.

According to Mishra, the former RIMS director was an eyewitness to the drone activity in Sekmai, a location close to Koutruk, where aerial bombings were carried out by using drones by Kuki militants.

The former director reportedly saw the drones in the evening, and his account confirms the presence of drones in the area, Mishra maintained.

The retired officer further elaborated on the possible origin of the drones, categorically stating that they did not come from Assam.

He suggested that the drones likely originated from Myanmar, where various rebel groups use drones against the Myanmar junta regime.

While asserting that these rebels, who possess knowledge of drone technology, have crossed over to Kuki-dominated areas of Manipur, including Churachandpur, Chandel, and interior parts of Bishnupur and Henglep, he also claimed that not only drones but rocket launchers have been smuggled into Manipur from Myanmar.

Explaining that there are a couple of main routes through which these drones and weapons entered Manipur, Mishra maintained that the first is directly from Myanmar, where rebels familiar with drone operations have infiltrated into Kuki areas with the second by smuggling through Mizoram, using Guite Road via Tiddim and Singhat to reach Churachandpur.

He claimed that the drones were then deployed from locations such as Bethel village and Kangchup hill by well-trained Kuki militants, including former security personnel with expertise in drone operations.

He alleged that these individuals were trained by operatives who have crossed over from Myanmar, and that there are currently over 60,000 Myanmarese in the state.

Mishra also pointed out that there are external forces at play in this situation and charged the USA, the UK, and China of interfering in Manipur, as some of these countries have vested interest in creating a Christian state by incorporating parts of Mizoram and areas in Manipur such as Chandel, Churachandpur, and Bishnupur.

He further claimed that these forces are supporting demands for a separate nation for the Kuki and Zo people.

The former ADG also mentioned about internal dynamics among the Kuki groups, noting that there is a division even within the community.

He highlighted that when the Kukis carried out rally in Senapati and surrounding areas, the Naga community opposed it, stating that they would not tolerate such marches.

Mishra also referred to another group within the Kukis, the Thadou community, which has turned against other Kuki factions, leading to incidents like torching of house of Michael Lamjathang, a leader of this community.

Additionally, he pointed out that some Paite groups are not aligned with the Kuki militants and have not cooperated with them.

The former BSF officer also contended that Kukis are receiving weapons from Myanmar, with further penetration by the USA and UK and suggested that these international influences are also scheming Bangladesh-like situation, hinting at a broader geopolitical play in the region.

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