Manipur horror: ‘Act of terrorism’, CM Biren Singh condemns dropping of bombs by drones

Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh, on Tuesday, condemned the fresh incidence of violence in the state in which two people died and seven were injured, calling the use of drones to drop bombs on civilians and security forces “an act of terrorism.”

“Dropping of bombs on civilian population and security forces by using drones is an act of terrorism, and I condemn such cowardly acts in the strongest terms,” the CM wrote on X.

The Manipur CM added that the state government will take necessary actions to fight such "acts of terrorism."

“Manipur state government takes such unprovoked assault with utmost seriousness and will take up necessary response to fight such forms of terrorism upon the indigenous population. We denounce all forms of violence, and the people of Manipur shall unite together against hate, division and separatism,” added the CM in his post.

On Sunday, two persons died, and seven others were injured, including two police personnel and a television journalist, after a gun-and-bomb attack. Security forces said that rocket-propelled grenades and “high-tech drones” were used in the attack, according to media reports.

The authorities have identified one of the deceased as 31-year-old Ngangbam Surbala Devi. All the victims were at their homes when the firing and bombings began.

Failure of law and order

Congress MP A Bimol Akoijam alleged that the recent outbreak of violence in Manipur highlights the failure of law enforcement agencies, especially the armed forces deployed by the Indian Government in the region.

Manipur clashes since May 2023

The clashes between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei ethnic groups since May 2023 have left 226 dead, according to a Mint report.

On August 31, people from the Kuki-Zo community held three rallies in parts of Manipur to press their demands for a separate administration. They organised rallies at Leishang in Churachandpur district, Keithelmanbi in Kangpokpi and Moreh in Tengnoupal.