Drone Strikes in Manipur: India’s New Security Challenge

 In Manipur on Sunday 1^st September, there were two confirmed deaths and nine injuries in what is believed to be the first documented case of terrorists in India using weaponized drones to target civilians.

Monday saw additional attacks in response to the drones’ dropping bombs on civilian areas. Three India Reserve Battalion bunkers in Meikhang village, Imphal East district, were destroyed.

The conflict has taken an unsettling turn with the introduction of these drones. These drones have been weaponized, and they can operate from 500 meters to 15 kilometers away.
The threat is made more complex by the fact that they are capable of carrying a variety of explosives, such as mortar bombs and hand grenades, and that they have rotor systems that enable them to hover and take pictures.

State DGP Rajiv Singh observed the attack's uniqueness: "This (drone attack) is a new thing." Experts such as the National Security Guards (NSG) are in contact with us. In order to devise a strategy to counter the danger of drones, we have established a multi-agency committee. Experts are on their way to Manipur. In addition, he mentioned the ongoing efforts to counter the attacks and mentioned future combing operations.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the drone bombings as acts of terrorism, denouncing all forms of violence. The central government has mobilized 198 companies of central forces in addition to the Assam Rifles to address the situation and provide support to local security efforts.

The drone attack in Manipur is like a bell that is rung. It is serving as a grave warning that there are several anti-Indian elements plotting to undermine India's sovereignty and security. India is known to have neighbours that are willing to take similar advantages all around it. Our security system was put to the test by these drone attacks.

Drones, once considered tools of convenience and innovation, are now being weaponized to destabilize regions and target critical infrastructure. This incident in Manipur is not just a localized event; it serves as a stark warning of the vulnerabilities that India faces in the era of modern warfare.

The attack in Manipur underscores the urgent need for India to bolster its defenses against this emerging threat, particularly in sensitive border areas where such incidents can have far-reaching consequences.

 The implications of this drone attack extend beyond immediate physical damage. It signals a shift in the security landscape, where non-state actors and adversarial forces can exploit technological advancements to challenge India’s security. The porous borders of the northeastern region, combined with the complex socio-political environment, make Manipur a potential flashpoint for further drone-related incidents. This not only threatens the safety of civilians and military personnel but also compromises the integrity of India’s national security infrastructure.

There ought to be no question as to who is assisting these rebels in Manipur. China's involvement and the concept of the "Deep State" point in that direction. Such attacks are only possible to carry out with the assistance of outside forces.

The Manipur drone attack is a wake-up call for India. It highlights the need for a proactive and comprehensive approach to national security, one that adapts to the changing dynamics of modern warfare. As drones become more sophisticated and accessible, India must stay ahead of the curve to protect its citizens, its borders, and its future. The time to act is now before the threat escalates beyond control.

Jai Hind!

Harsh Pargat

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