Manipur is the cauldron of unrest in the northeast of Bharat. However, this problem existed for decades. However, the last 2 years have been filled with violence to an unprecedented level. What was once projected as a ‘localized ethnic conflict’ between the Meitei and Kuki communities has revealed its true self!
The Manipur conflict is a much more complex and dangerous situation. Recently, Bomber Drones attacked civilians and security forces in Imphal West district. This is a stark indicator that external forces are playing a significant role in the conflict. So, who and what is pushing Manipur further into chaos? Let’s unbox!
Drone Bombings in Manipur: A New and Terrifying Escalation
Aerial view of a bomb being dropped using a drone in Serou, Manipur by #Kuki_Zo militants. @thewire_in—Is it legitimate for #KukiTerrorists to use drone bombs against central and state forces and #Meitei civilians, but the GoM isn't allowed to retaliate using similar methods? pic.twitter.com/kZ0ZbqGu4X
— Loya Thangjing (@LThang28110) September 1, 2024
The recent drone attacks in Manipur have shocked the nation. On two consecutive days, grenade-bearing drones attacked Meitei-dominated areas in Imphal West. First, the attack occurred in the village of Koutruk, where a woman was killed and sixteen others were injured. Next, on the following day, militants targeted an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) bunker in Imphal East, using drones to drop bombs on the position. Finally, the Jawans had to evacuate their bunkers to save their lives.
These attacks mark the first time that drones have been used to deliver bombs in Manipur.
Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts. During the search operations the following items were recovered:
ii.01 (one) drone from Kharam vaiphei, Kangpokpi District. pic.twitter.com/5M9xqlkkdc
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) September 2, 2024
This attack represents a significant increase in military sophistry in the tactics employed by the militants. Analysts state that highly trained professionals with likely external technical support are a huge possibility. Manipur police, in their official statement, described the use of drones in this context as a “significant escalation.” Moreover, they warned of the dangers posed by such sophisticated weaponry in the hands of insurgents.
Foreign Influence: The Hidden Hand Behind the Conflict
Drone bomb attacks on forces, Modern warfare in action in Manipur- It is time Indians understand and be supportive, stand with our forces and govt in Manipur- Foreign role under scanner!pic.twitter.com/R88256Jh41
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 3, 2024
Many questions arise from the bomber drone developments. How did Kuki militants get their hands on expensive and sophisticated bomber drones? Traditionally, the Kuki group relied on more rudimentary forms of warfare. However, for the last 2 years, the Kiki terrorists have acquired advanced weaponry and money. The answer to these queries may lie in the murky world of international narcotics trafficking.
And the involvement of foreign powers seeking to destabilize the region, cannot be ruled out.
Manipur is strategically close to the Golden Triangle, which is very important for the narcotics nexus. In the last few years, the BJP state government has been trying to eliminate poppy cultivation in the region. Hence, the notorious narcotics gangs in areas are unhappy with this nationalist State and Central government. For years, Manipur has served as a source of production and a transit point for drug trafficking. Kiki-Zo-Chin groups that live in the mountains are deeply enmeshed in this illicit narco-trade network. Hence, to ensure they regain control of the region, the narco nexus is funneling money via Myanmar gangs to fuel the Manipur conflict.
#KukiTerrorist using highly sophisticated Drones and RPG to bomb civilians .This is a #WarCrime as per the 1977 Geneva convention.Manipur state forces are trying to defend as much as they can but need India and @AmitShah to support to stop this #KukiWarCrimes @UNGeneva @BBCWorld pic.twitter.com/Nr5lT6cGnX
— Brijkishowr Singh (@brijkishowr1986) September 2, 2024
Fueled by drug money, the Kuki terrorists are able to procure, upskill, and operate advanced weaponry like bomber drones to continue chaos.
The connection between the narcotics trade and the insurgency in Manipur is well-documented. And, the state’s porous borders with Myanmar and the BJP’s 16-km Free Movement Regime policy ensured that the rugged terrain was easeily accessible. Hence, it became an ideal location for drug trafficking and production. However, the resultant large-scale militancy forced the BJP to destroy the poppy production. Consequently, investigations show how the Kuki militants are linked to the narcotics trade.
Last Year’s Manipur Riots: A Prelude to the Current Chaos?
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.
Manipur state government takes such unprovoked assault with utmost seriousness and will take up necessary response to…
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) September 3, 2024
The drone bombings in Manipur are not an isolated incident. They are the latest chapter in a long-running campaign to destabilize the state and Bharat. Last year, Manipur was rocked by a series of riots. These were widely portrayed as ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. However, a closer examination of current events suggests that these riots were orchestrated by external forces. The main aim was to create chaos and weaken the government.
2- Ever since the new Govt was form, War on Drugs 2.0 campaign has been extremely successful wherein we have seized different kind of drugs worth nearly Rs. 182.3 Cr in international market. Also, 380 acres of poppy cultivation have been destroyed in Manipur. pic.twitter.com/96T1IdGw5q
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) May 18, 2022
The riots were marked by a high level of coordination and the use of sophisticated tactics. Moreover, Myanmar weapons and currency were caught by security agencies in many raids. Thereby, leading many to suspect that outside actors were deeply involved in the chaos. The violence was unprecedented in its scale and intensity. And it left a deep scar on the state, both in terms of human suffering and social cohesion. Thus, the recent drone bombing attacks can be seen as a continuation of this campaign. The same external forces are arming and training the Kuki terrorists with even more deadly tools to further their agenda.
Narcotics Nexus Fuels Manipur’s Descent into Anarchy?
At the heart of Manipur’s troubles lies the deep-rooted narcotics nexus. This drug network is the lifeblood of the region’s insurgency. The state’s proximity to the Golden Triangle has made it a crucial node in the global narcotics trade. And it is essential for the Deep State that controls the narco flow to have complete control over Manipur. Which, in turn, has devastating consequences for Manipur and Bharat.
The flow of drugs through Manipur has not only fueled the insurgency but has also created a complex web of criminal networks.
As the gatekeeper of our nation's eastern border, adjacent to the infamous Golden Triangle (Dead Triangle)—one of the world's most notorious drug trade routes—I have a responsibility to protect our country from the scourge of drugs. With about 1.5 lakh youths affected by drugs in… pic.twitter.com/v1wH2L1EED
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) August 31, 2024
This network is deeply entrenched in the state’s political and economic life. These networks are instrumental in sustaining the violence. They provide the militants with the training and resources to fight Indian agencies. Thereby, promoting a campaign of terror in Manipur. The recent drone bombings are a stark reminder of the extent to which these criminal elements have infiltrated the state. Additionally, it shows the lengths to which they are willing to go to maintain their grip on power.
Manipulating the Narrative of Manipur
The narrative surrounding the conflict in Manipur was manipulated by external forces seeking to further their own interests. The portrayal of the violence as merely an ethnic clash between the Meitei and Kuki communities is a convenient smokescreen. These powers want to obscure the real issues at play. The truth is that Manipur’s unrest is being driven by a complex interplay of foreign influence, narcotics trafficking, and militant insurgency.
And their ultimate goal is to destabilize the region and undermine Bharat’s sovereignty.
The involvement of foreign powers in Manipur’s conflict is not a new phenomenon. For decades, the state has been a battleground for various geopolitical interests. Sometimes the Chinese and sometimes the US, use the insurgency as a proxy to further their own agendas. The recent drone bombings are just the latest example of their aggression against Bharat’s interests. Hence, today it is undeniable that Kuki militants are receiving support from external actors who have a vested interest in keeping the region in turmoil.
A Call for Vigilance and Action
The situation in Manipur is a ticking time bomb that requires urgent attention. The use of bomber drones by Kuki militants is a clear indication that the conflict is entering a new and more dangerous phase. And this time it could have far-reaching implications for the entire region. Modi 3.0 needs to take decisive action to address the root causes of the unrest.
The region needs to get rid of both the narcotics trade and foreign interference before it is too late.
The people of Manipur deserve peace and stability. However, this will only be achieved if the true nature of the conflict is acknowledged and addressed. The narrative of ethnic strife must be discarded in favor of a more nuanced understanding of the forces at play. For Manipur to heal, Bharat and its people need to understand the true ugly face of Foreign Influence on Indian soil!
