'Kuki' terrorists drone attack narrowly misses security forces in Manipur

Imphal: Kangchup Phayeng, a Meitei inhabited village in Imphal West district of Manipur, faced fresh aerial attack allegedly conducted by Kuki terrorists on Tuesday night, which narrowly missed security forces.

Phayeng is about a 16 km distance from Imphal city.

According to state police, two bombs reportedly exploded around 9:27 pm and 9:30 pm, suspected to have been dropped from drones.

The explosions occurred approximately 15 feet away from a temporary security barrack and sentry post of Manipur Police.

This marks the first drone bombing incident in this year. Last similar attack on the village was recorded on November 11, last year.

Propellers from the drones were recovered. On Wednesday, a team of forensic experts conducted a spot investigation and seized fragments of the bombs, including the propellers, which were attached to a ring.

A Manipur police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Manipur police rushed to the spot. No further gunfire was reported. We are taking necessary security measures to prevent any untoward incidents.”

A Kangchup villager, talking to reporters said, “Since November 11 last year, no drones had been spotted hovering in the area. However, over the last three days, drones were frequently seen flying around. We thought they were surveillance drones.”

“Last night, after hearing the sound of drones hovering, two bombs exploded just 15 feet away from the security barrack and sentry post. If the bombs had been dropped in the congested areas, the casualties could have been significant.”

Ajit said the incident occurred near central forces deployed in the hilltops of Kangchup and adjoining areas of Kangpokpi district, where four companies of the 112th and 158th battalions of CRPF are stationed.

“We don’t want compensation after we are injured or killed by Kuki militant attacks. We want restoration of peace using the about 60,000 central forces deployed in Manipur,” he said.

No casualties were reported in the incident. A case has been registered at Lamshang police station.