The recovery of tails of sophisticated rockets from Manipur after recent drone and hi-tech missile attacks has led to serious questions about availability of weapons from Myanmar, working of state police and security forces, and new insurgent groups from Bangladesh, according to top intelligence sources.
Sources said drones were sighted in November 2023 when the airport airspace reported drones and two Indigo flights were diverted and one flight took off after three-hour delay. “The biggest problem which can’t be ruled out is that the Kuki groups are known for using long-range weapons from China, Pakistan or Korea," said sources.
“Serious concerns about the role of Assam Rifles were raised in May 2023, when they blocked the police station with armoured vehicle as riots broke out and free run was given to Kukis. Almost 5,000-6,000 cadres of retired Assam Rifles are ready to join Kuki groups," said sources.
WAR-LIKE STORES PROVIDING UNINTERRUPTED SUPPLIES?
On April 29 this year, the Assam Rifles acted on specific intelligence and recovered war weapons from Mon districts of Nagaland, which is close to Myanmar. These weapons included mortar, satellite phones, pistols and tubes, among others.
“The use of drones and missiles suggests that war-like stores are available to Kuki Zo militants and uninterrupted supplies are coming from the Myanmar border. These groups have got training possibly from Myanmar Kuki Chin. These weapons are quite sophisticated and experts are needed to make them. Also, you need specialised training to fire these missiles as you need to assess trajectory and calculate wind speed," said sources.
POLICESPEAK
The Manipur Police dismissed the claims of Lt. Gen P C Nair, a retired DG of Assam Rifles, in a recent media interview that no drones or rockets have been used in the attacks. He had also labelled Manipur Police as a “Meitei Police", indicating their alleged partisan role in the ethnic strife.
Speaking to reporters, IGP (Administration) K Jayanta Singh said, “The statement is an immature one and seems to be his personal view and not of the force (Assam Rifles). We strongly dismiss it. There is evidence of drone and hi-tech missile attacks. Drones have been recovered. Tails of sophisticated rockets fired on civilian areas have been recovered. Despite such evidence, it is very unfortunate that a distinguished commander would make such statements."
IGP (Operations) I K Muivah said, “We want to clarify on the statement that there is no Manipur Police but Meitei Police or Kuki Police. We want to dismiss that."
On the drone attacks, Muivah said, “We have clarified in official media handles in connection with the drone bombings and we stand by it."
On the ongoing student protests, Muivah said, “We appeal to the students not to indulge in violence and to conduct it in a peaceful manner." Screenshots are being taken for documentation for those who instigate violence and spread false messages with false pictures as it creates panic and confusion, he said.
A police personnel was hit by a bullet fired from protesters in Thoubal on Monday, he said.
TOP CRPF OFFICIALS IN MANIPUR
The government, meanwhile, sent senior Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials to Manipur. “This is a priority. The CRPF is better equipped and handling all conflict zones across the country," according to top government sources.
Amid fresh wave of violence, the decision to send two battalions of Assam Rifles out of Manipur, which was made last month, has been initiated. The two battalions of Assam Rifles are set to move out of Manipur. An official communication regarding the movement was issued on Monday.
More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic strife between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May last year. At least eight persons have died and over 12 injured in a fresh wave of violence, which included drone and missile attacks.
With PTI Inputs
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