A year after violence erupted, hopes for peace in Manipur continue to be dashed. Since September 1, incidents of violence have spiked in the Manipur Valley. The situation is so dire that attacks now involve drone bombings and RPG assaults targeting residential areas. Today, our correspondent Ashutosh Mishra is once again on the ground in Manipur, providing live reports from the epicenter of the conflict.
In the face of collapsing peace efforts, local organizations in the Imphal Valley have declared a public emergency. They have warned central security forces that unless actions are taken against Kuki groups and peace is restored, they will have to leave Manipur. This public emergency is evident in Imphal’s busy areas, where shops are closed, and the streets are eerily silent.
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'Why Isn't There Peace in Manipur?'
Ratan, a resident of Imphal, questions why peace remains elusive despite numerous efforts, and what both the state and central governments are doing about it. She highlights that the escalating violence has led to the declaration of a public emergency.
Source: aajtak
Our team reached a village 30 kilometers from Imphal, where this aggressive wave of violence began on September 1. In the village of Kotruk, Imphal West district, drone bombings started around 2 PM, causing fires that destroyed homes and vehicles.
Rockets from drones left fresh scars on house roofs and sprinters pocked walls. Many houses burned down, and residents fled. Langham, an eyewitness, recounts how 3 to 4 drones dropped numerous bombs, spreading terror in the area.
RPG Attacks Alongside Drone Strikes
In addition to drones, RPGs were used. Unlike last year, when locally made pipe bombs were used with limited range, this year's technology involved sophisticated rocket launchers with long-range capabilities. Rockets from RPGs wreaked havoc on many homes and even impacted IRB camps in the village. A central force soldier showed Today the places where rocket fragments fell.
For the past year, bunkers have been set up along the valley and foothill areas, with both communities standing armed across from each other. These bunkers remain, and no one knows when shots might be fired. A volunteer from the village defense force, hiding his identity, mentioned they are staying in the bunkers to protect their village. He accused that the attacks came from the hills while they are there for defense.
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Source: aajtak
People Standoff With Weapons
Military-grade binoculars are positioned to spot enemy fire from the hills. Walkie-talkies and bulletproof jackets are also in the bunkers. While advanced weapons are used in Manipur's communal violence, they are hidden from cameras, showing only local bore rifles and cartridges.
Villages are guarded by armed youth under the Village Defense Force, with military-grade sniper rifles seen carried on shoulders. Security agencies are conducting combing operations, seizing weapons including RPG grenades and sophisticated assault rifles.
Chief Minister Seeks Security Control
Meanwhile, Manipur's Chief Minister has met with the Governor, requesting the return of security responsibilities and powers, which are currently under a security advisor appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Given the drone threat, central agencies have deployed anti-drone systems in Manipur. However, there is no clear answer to when the violence will end. Our newsroom remains committed to bringing you ground reports from Manipur.
