Manipur on High Alert After 900 Kuki Militants Infiltrate from Myanmar
Security agencies warned of potential drone warfare attack on Meitei villages
Manipur is on heightened alert after intelligence reports revealed that more than 900 Kuki militants have infiltrated the state from Myanmar, posing a significant threat to local villages. The militants, believed to be skilled in drone warfare, are expected to launch coordinated attacks on Meitei communities by the end of September 2024.
Infiltration from Myanmar Raises Security Concerns
Manipur is on high alert following alarming intelligence reports that suggest the infiltration of over 900 Kuki militants into the region from Myanmar. According to India Today, these militants are scattered in small units and are allegedly preparing to attack Meitei villages by September 28, 2024.
“They are reportedly grouped in units of 30 members each and currently scattered in the periphery and expected to launch multiple coordinated attacks on Meitei villages around 28 September 2024,” India Today reported, citing an intelligence source. The militants are believed to be trained in advanced warfare techniques, including the use of drone-based bombs, projectiles, missiles, and jungle warfare.
Authorities Sound the Alarm
Kuldeep Singh, Security Adviser to Manipur, has confirmed the seriousness of the intelligence reports. “The intelligence report cannot be taken lightly,” he told NDTV. “Unless and until it is proved wrong, we believe that it is 100% correct.” Singh stressed that the potential threat could escalate unless proactive measures are taken immediately.
The absence of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) concerning drone warfare in the state is another major concern for security agencies. Although drone usage is restricted without proper permissions, no SOP has been fully implemented yet to address this emerging threat. According to Kuldeep Singh, all Senior Superintendents of Police in the districts along the India-Myanmar border have received the intelligence report as of Thursday.
Rising Tensions at the India-Myanmar Border
This infiltration coincides with increasing unrest in Myanmar, particularly in Chin State, where ethnic armed groups are battling the ruling junta. The ongoing violence along the Myanmar border has, at times, spilled over into Indian territory. There have even been reports of junta troops fleeing into India after being overrun by rebels in Chin State.
Manipur’s proximity to Myanmar makes it vulnerable to such incidents, and the current tension in the state, where Meitei and Kuki communities have clashed for over a year, has only heightened the risks. Ethnic conflicts over quotas and economic benefits have already disrupted the state, leading to fears that this infiltration could worsen the already volatile situation. The infiltration may have also contributed to illegal immigration from Myanmar, adding another layer of complexity to Manipur’s security concerns.
Major Cache of Explosives Found
In a related operation, a joint effort between the Indian Army and Manipur Police led to the recovery of a large stockpile of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the Imphal East district. This cache, discovered in the hilly regions, raises further concerns about the potential scale of violence in the days to come.
The discovery of these explosives, combined with the intelligence report about the impending attacks, has placed security agencies on high alert. Increased patrols and surveillance in vulnerable areas, especially along the India-Myanmar border, have been implemented to prevent any militant activity.
Impacts and Reactions
The infiltration has triggered alarm among Manipur’s citizens, particularly those living in Meitei villages, which are now directly under threat. Local authorities are calling for calm while assuring the public that security measures are being heightened to prevent any attacks. However, the fear of drone warfare, a tactic unfamiliar to many in the region, has left communities anxious.
The government has yet to issue a formal statement on how it plans to tackle this threat, but emergency meetings are being held to review the situation. Further military reinforcements may be deployed to bolster the security presence along the border.
The infiltration of over 900 Kuki militants into Manipur marks a worrying escalation in the state’s already fragile security situation. As local authorities and the military work to address the growing threat, residents are urged to remain vigilant. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the militants’ plans will be thwarted or whether Manipur will face another round of violence.
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