The northeastern Indian state of Manipur is witnessing a terrifying escalation in its ongoing ethnic conflict as insurgents deploy drones equipped with explosives, killing civilians and raising concerns about the conflict’s future direction. On September 1 and 2, 2024, two drone attacks shook the Imphal West district, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to several others, including women and children. This marks the first time drones have been used in the region, signifying a shocking new phase in the long-standing feud between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

The drones, loaded with rocket-propelled grenades and bombs, were used to target both government forces and civilian areas in Koutruk and Senjam Chirang villages. The attacks were devastating, with one incident killing a 31-year-old woman and injuring her eight-year-old daughter. The next day, another drone attack injured a 23-year-old woman. The militants also fired indiscriminately from a hilltop, provoking retaliation from security forces. The use of drones represents a significant technological shift in tactics, showing that the insurgents are not only well-armed but also technically capable of deploying sophisticated weapons.

Ethnic tensions flare up with new tactics

The violence in Manipur, which began to flare up in May 2023 following a controversial government proposal favoring the Meitei community, has always been fraught with ethnic and political complexities. The Meitei, who make up 53% of Manipur’s population, hold significant political and economic power in the region, while the Kuki community, settled in the hilly regions, has felt marginalized and has contested the Meitei’s demands for Scheduled Tribe status. This proposal set off violent clashes that have since claimed more than 220 lives and displaced over 50,000 people.

The recent drone attacks underscore the deepening divide between these communities. The use of drones, never before seen in the region, points to a worrying trend of escalating violence that could spread beyond Manipur’s borders. Local officials have expressed concern that this shift to drone warfare indicates the involvement of external parties or highly trained individuals who are familiar with advanced combat techniques.

Government response and the call for peace

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has condemned the drone attacks, calling them “acts of terrorism” and promising stern action against those responsible. He noted that the state government will not tolerate such unprovoked assaults and will take all necessary measures to protect the civilian population. The government has ordered combing operations in areas bordering Imphal West to identify and neutralize potential threats. The Chief Minister also called for unity among the people of Manipur to stand against “hate, division, and separatism.”

Security experts believe that the state and central governments need to rethink their approach to dealing with insurgent groups in Manipur. The deployment of drones signifies a new phase of violence that conventional methods may not address effectively. The involvement of central forces and a re-evaluation of security strategies are essential to counter these emerging threats and prevent further escalation.

The stakes are high

Experts believe that the conflict in Manipur is a symptom of broader ethnic and political tensions that have long simmered in the northeastern region of India. The deployment of drones could signify a turning point in the conflict, potentially drawing in more external parties and escalating violence to an unmanageable level. Resolving the Manipur conflict will require a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond military measures. Dialogue, peace-building initiatives, and addressing the underlying grievances of all communities are essential if there is to be any lasting peace.

While the immediate response has been to tighten security and carry out combing operations, the broader approach needs to involve community leaders, peace activists, and possibly international mediators to prevent Manipur from becoming a hotbed of insurgency. Failure to do so could lead to more advanced and lethal tactics being used by insurgent groups, potentially causing greater loss of life and property.

A volatile situation demands urgent attention

The recent drone attacks have brought the ongoing conflict in Manipur to a critical juncture. With the introduction of drone warfare, the stakes have never been higher, and the situation demands urgent attention from both state and central governments. While immediate security measures are necessary, a long-term strategy focusing on dialogue, reconciliation, and equitable development is crucial to ending the cycle of violence that has plagued Manipur for decades.

  Imphal West, Indian Government, Kuki, Manipur, Meitei, N Biren Singh, South Asian geopolitics