For over a year and four months, Manipur has been engulfed in violence, and everyday life remains disrupted. While the situation remains dire, the nature of the violence is evolving. What used to be attacks with sticks and stones has now escalated to the use of drones and rocket launchers. A critical question arises: where are these modern weapons coming from, and who is supplying them? Here’s a detailed look.
The Ground Route of Aerial Terror
You might be surprised to hear about “aerial terror,” but Manipur has been experiencing it recently. Specifically, in the Kadamban area of Imphal West, there have been several drone attacks. The first drone bomb attack occurred on September 2. The most dangerous area is KPI, where Nagas and Kukis are on opposite sides. Attacks are launched from above, often from the top of Allied Hills, where drones are operated. This high ground provides a strategic position for the attackers.
See here also : what-can-india-achieve-with-a-small-chip-pm-modi-reveals-vision-at-semicon-india
Dangerous Weapons in the Hands of Rebels
Apart from drone attacks, rebels possess several dangerous weapons, including L9A1 51 mm light mortars, which are high-explosive bombs. They have reportedly received training at the Police Training Academy in Shillong. Other weapons in their arsenal include AK-47 rifles, INSAS rifles, 7.64 mm self-loading rifles from the Isapor factory, and Sten carbines. Reports suggest that these weapons are being supplied from countries like China and Myanmar.
Shelter in Dense Forests
To protect themselves from drone bombings, locals have built bunkers in the Kadamban area. These bunkers are spread across different locations, and people use walkie-talkies to warn each other about attacks. The local population rotates shifts to keep watch 24/7, with each person working three-hour shifts in the bunkers. Despite some police assistance and village defense efforts, the threat of attacks persists around the clock.
