Police suspect professional hands; DGP sounds alert
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 01 2024: Manipur Police highlighted the unprecedented nature of the attack on Koutruk village with use of drones to drop multiple rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) on the Meetei settlement.

'In an unprecedented attack in Koutruk, Imphal West, alleged Kuki militants have deployed numerous RPGs using high-tech drones.

While drone bombs have commonly been used in general warfare, this recent deployment of drones to deploy explosives against security forces and the civilians marks a significant escalation.

The involvement of highly trained professionals, possibly with technical expertise and support, cannot be ruled out", Manipur Police said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The police statement also confirmed the fatalities and injuries resulting from the attack: "Further, 01 (one) civilian identified as Ngangbam Surbala (31 yrs) succumbed to bullet injuries, while her 8-year old daughter was injured on her arm.

Also 02 (two) police personnel and 03 (three) civilians suffered injuries in the ongoing incident".

Stating that Manipur Police have initiated joint combing operations to locate and neutralise any remaining threats in the area, the statement maintained that authorities are closely monitoring the situation while appealing to the public to maintain restraint and cooperate with ongoing security efforts.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police (DGP) Manipur, Rajiv Singh, has declared a "maximum alert" across all districts of the state following a deadly gun-and-bomb attack by "suspected" Kuki militants in Imphal West on Sunday.

The incident occurred at Koutruk village, where Kuki militants fired indiscriminately from hilltop positions and dropped bombs using drones towards the low-lying valley areas of Koutruk and neighbouring Kadangband.

The assault resulted in the death of a 31-year-old woman, Ngangbam Surbala, and injuries to her eight-year-old daughter, two police officers, and scores of civilians.

Following the attack, DGP Rajiv Singh issued an official directive to all Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) across the state, instructing them to remain on "maximum alert".

The directive emphasised the need for heightened vigilance, particularly in fringe areas, and called for proper coordination between all deployed forces to prevent further incidents.

"All district SSPs are directed to remain on high alert and vigilant, including in fringe areas.

All forces deployed in their areas must also be alerted.

Proper coordination between the deployed forces is essential to prevent any untoward incident.

Joint combing operations must be conducted," the directive stated.

The DGP also ordered the ADGP (LO), Zonal IGP, and Range DIGP to closely monitor the law and order situation to prevent any further occurrences.

This response comes in light of the sudden and severe nature of the attack, which caused widespread panic in the village and forced many residents, including women, children, and the elderly, to flee to safer areas.

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