Manipur Violence: The recent violence in Manipur has been deadlier, partly because of the use of drones and long-range rockets, raising misgivings over easy access to sophisticated weaponry. The technology employed by the alleged Kuki fighters is not military-grade, yet deadly and raised questions as to their origin. Yet, despite these misgivings, security officials clarified that the drones and rockets being used were commercially available and locally assembled, not military-grade imports.

Rockets and Drones: The New Instruments Of Violence In Manipur
Violence in Manipur, which broke out in May 2023, has been characterized by the new and increasing use of drones, rockets, and assault rifles. While drones were initially used for spying, it is evident that this has now been deployed in a far more lethal manner. Rockets and bombs-as heavy as 30 kgs-are dropped at targets kept way ahead of the site and have destroyed much property.

In one of the recent incidents, suspected militants dropped bombs with drones in the Meitei-dominated Koutruk village in the Imphal West district on September 1, 2024. At least two people reportedly died due to the incident. As many as 40 bombs were reportedly dropped that night. Security officials described such bombs as crude but effective, made out of locally sourced materials.

Fatal Rocket Attack On Former CM’s Residence
A more devastating attack happened on September 6, 2024, where a suspected rocket, launched by militants, struck the home of late former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng Singh in Moirang, Bishnupur district. The rocket launched from an unknown location in the hills flew over 3 kilometers before hitting its target, killing one and injuring five others.

Manipur police maintained that the rocket was not a guided missile but a jury weapon contrived using very simple materials such as pipes filled with gunpowder and explosives. A police officer said, “The rockets weigh as much as 30 kg, and despite being crudely assembled, they can go up to 5 km and explode on impact.”

Local Expertise Behind Rocket Technology
Security officials have been quick to point out that these are no military rockets but rather locally fabricated contraptions created from materials easily available. A senior police officer explained, “These rockets are made from pipes filled with explosives and shrapnel and resemble Diwali fireworks rockets. They explode on impact and cause much damage.’

Officials also explained that the rockets are not precision-guided. The fighters launch the rockets by placing them on an inclined surface, and the duration of the burning gunpowder controls their flight path. “They can fall anywhere and explode,” an officer added as he tried to drive home how random the attacks can be.

Internet Services Partially Restored Amidst Violence
The Manipur government has moved to partially restore internet services in the state as incidents of violence continue unabated. Internet services on broadband were banned by the state government several months ago in view of the unrest in the state. The ban was partially lifted on September 12, 2024, but with strict conditionalities to ensure that services would not be misused.

It quoted, “It is hereby ordered that all the subscribers/consumers are at liberty to access the internet through ILL and FTTH services”. It further ordered that the ban on mobile internet continue to remain in force. The broadbands shall be allowed under the following conditions:

1. The user must access the internet using a static IP, and all other types of connections are prohibited.
2. Broadband users shall not be allowed to create Wi-Fi or hotspots from their systems.
3. Access is only allowed to the Local Area Network.
4. At the local level, access to social media networks and Virtual Private Network services should be blocked, and the subscribers must delete any VPN applications from their devices.
5. Under such conditions, users may be asked to change their login credentials every day, and this could be implemented by physical policing of the rulebook.

It also warned that “any violation of these, are viewed as trespass into the network and the service providers will be free to initiate legal action against such subscribers, and they shall be responsible for unauthorized access. “

Security Forces On High Alert
The security forces are deployed in large numbers to contain the violence with Manipur still tense and are trying to prevent further escalation. With the presence of drones and rockets making it even more dangerous, the authorities are searching to trace the sources.

The partial restoration of internet services is thus being viewed as a little respite in returning to normalcy in the troubled region. However, the presence of strict rules makes the situation volatile as security forces race against time to contain the violence and bring order into the troubled state.

The violence in Manipur has taken a new turn with drones and locally assembled rockets being used. The weapons, though not of military-grade, have been used to deadly effect in recent attacks. Authorities work hard at restoring peace and stability as the state grapples with the constant ethnic conflict. In fact, with internet services partly restored, it is hoped that the government might wrest control back again and prevent violence. For now, however, the situation is yet volatile, and time will show if these measures will be appropriate for bringing peace to that troubled region.