Explosive twist in Manipur violence: Foreign drones and rocket launchers uncovered

In recent months, the ongoing conflict in Manipur between the hill-dwelling Kuki tribes and the valley-based Meitei community has escalated with a worrying increase in the use of sophisticated weaponry, including drones, rocket launchers, and other high-tech arms allegedly supplied by foreign entities. The involvement of foreign-supplied arms has been confirmed by Manipur’s Inspector General of Police (Operations) I.K. Muivah, prompting the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the probe into these incidents to understand the scope of foreign involvement.

Use of Sophisticated Weaponry by Kuki Militants

The conflict, which has persisted for more than a year over economic and administrative control, has seen a shift in the type and origin of weapons used. An investigation by India Today reveals that the Kuki militants have been using a mix of Indian-made and foreign-origin weapons, including AK-47s, M4 carbines, and Chinese-made AK-56 rifles. These weapons are not only sourced domestically but also appear to include arms typical of U.S., U.K., and German military arsenals.

Moreover, advanced Indian-made weapons such as the ‘Ghatak’ assault rifle, initially part of the Indian police arsenal, have been recovered, indicating the looting of police armouries in Manipur. Since May 2023, there have been multiple reports of looting, with over 4,000 firearms estimated to have been stolen from police armouries in the region.

Foreign Involvement in Drone Attacks

The most significant escalation involves the use of drones to carry out explosive attacks, a first in this region’s history. Manipur Police have gathered enough evidence to suggest that these drones, which include models manufactured by Chinese company DJI, were used in bombing attacks that killed civilians and destroyed property in September 2024.

The NIA is now tasked with a thorough investigation into the drone assaults, looking into possible foreign involvement. Inspector General Muivah has confirmed the collection of various pieces of evidence, including drone fragments, which are being examined by forensic teams to ascertain their origins and the type of explosives used. The inquiry is expected to shed light on how these advanced weapons reached the Kuki militants and the extent of foreign influence in the ongoing conflict.

Local Militant Strategies and Defence

The Kukis, while admitting to their use of drones for surveillance and defence, have argued that they are not financially capable of acquiring such sophisticated weaponry without external assistance. According to the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), which represents the Kuki community, they are fighting a defensive war with improvised arms, such as locally made rifles and homemade explosives, to protect their territories against aggression from Meitei forces.

In recent statements, Kuki militants have indicated their demand for a separate administration for the hill districts of Manipur. This demand has been echoed by community leaders who believe that the only path to peace in the state is through decentralised governance, given the current hostilities between the communities.

The Broader Implications for Manipur’s Security

The involvement of foreign arms and drone technology in the Manipur conflict has not only exacerbated the violence but also raised concerns about national security. The central and state governments are under pressure to address the infiltration of these foreign elements and to prevent further escalation of the conflict. With the NIA now involved, there is a possibility of uncovering the network of supply and support that may be fueling the conflict, potentially involving international actors.

As the investigation unfolds, the Manipur conflict continues to be a focal point for understanding the implications of foreign involvement in local insurgencies in India. The findings could have broader ramifications for security and foreign policy in the region.