Kuki attack, drone bombing kill woman, injure 11
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 01 2024:
In a significant escalation of violence in the 15-month-old conflict in the state, Kuki militants launched a deadly attack on Koutruk Meetei village in Imphal West district on Sunday around 2 pm.
The militants fired RPGs, used high-calibre weapons, and directed drones to drop bombs, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to 11 others, including the woman's daughter, a journalist, security personnel, and several civilians.
The deceased has been identified as Ngangbam Surbala (31) wife of Ng Ingo of Phayeng Umang Leikai.
Her daughter, 12-year-old Ngangbam Rojiya, was also injured in the attack, suffering a wound to her right hand.
Surbala died after being struck by a bullet on the head.
Among the injured are two state security personnel namely police constable Robert Ngaseppam (30), son of Ng Brojen of Awang Khunnou Maning Leikai, and 2nd MR rifleman Moirangthem Ingobi (S3), son of late M Thouba of Yairipok Top Chingtha.
Robert was part of the escort team of DIG Range 1, while Ingobi was deployed in Kadangband.
Both were hit by shrapnel from the bombs dropped by the militants using drones and were rushed to RIMS Hospital for treatment.
The injured village volunteers also suffered injuries from bomb shrapnel.
The police team led by DIG Range 1 was directly targeted by the drone bombing as they rushed to the site following the initial reports of the attack, in which rifleman Ingobi was injured.
Impact TV reporter Elangbam Musuk was also injured by bomb splinters on his right hand and leg and rushed to Shija Hospitals.
A media team led by All Manipur Working Journalists' Union president Bijoy Kakchingtabam later enquired the condition of Musuk.
Local sources reported that Kuki militants, suspected to have descended from Bethel village, launched a heavy fire assault on Koutruk, Kadangband Part 1 and 2.The attackers used drones to drop bombs amid residential areas, causing damage to several houses.
It is noteworthy that there are bunkers between Bethel and Koutruk villages manned by the Border Security Force (BSF), testifying proximity of the conflict to security installations.
In a concerning development, 3D printer users in Imphal observed that the tail fins of the bombs (mortar shells), appeared to have been made using 3D printers.
The texture of the tail fins matched that of objects printed using filament in 3D printing.
While there have been past instances of Kuki militants using drones to drop bombs made of steel and galvanised iron (GI) pipes, they lacked precision.
However, the bombs used in Sunday's attack showed signs of precision and resembled the 3D-printed weaponry used by anti-Junta forces in Myanmar, raising alarm among local observers.
The attack caused widespread panic among locals of Koutruk and Kadangband, and they fled their homes to seek safety in other areas.
Several residents sustained minor injuries while scampering to safer locations.
In response, additional state security forces and village volunteers from nearby areas rushed to the site to assist in evacuation and provide security.
Meira Paibi members and residents along the Uripok-Kangchup road played a crucial role in managing traffic to ensure smooth passage to ambulances shifting the injured to hospitals.
Later around 5 pm, Kuki militants launched a similar attack targeting Sekmai Meetei village from the Luwangsangol side.
The attack continued until approximately 6 pm, but no casualties were reported from this second assault.
The use of drones to deploy bombs and other high-tech weaponry marks a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict in Manipur, raising serious concerns about the escalation of violence and the potential for further attacks in the state.
Police are suspicious of involvement of highly trained professionals while raising concern over the emerging situation.
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