On Sunday, militants launched a devastating attack on a village in Manipur, resulting in the death of one woman and injuries to several others. Eyewitness Sunil Ningthoujam, a local resident and general secretary of the village peace committee, recounted the horror of the attack. He reported seeing two drones flying over the village shortly before bombs were dropped, and noted that some houses were still burning as a result.
The attack occurred around 2 p.m. near Koutruk in the Kangchup region of Imphal West district. During the assault, militants used drones to drop grenades and opened fire, engaging in a gunfight with security personnel that continued into the evening. The deceased was identified as Ngangbam Ongbi Surbala, who was visiting her maternal home with her 11-year-old daughter, who sustained a gunshot wound to her right arm. Other injured individuals included a local journalist, two police officers, and several villagers.
The incident followed protest rallies by Kuki-Zo groups against Chief Minister N Biren Singh in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts the previous day.
The Manipur police have attributed the attack to Kuki militants, describing it as a “significant escalation” involving drone-dropped explosives, a tactic typically seen in general warfare. The police indicated that this sophisticated method of attack suggests the involvement of highly trained individuals with technical expertise. They are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared for any further developments.
In response, the Manipur home department condemned the attack, labeling it an “unfortunate” act of terror against unarmed villagers. The department expressed its serious concern, stating that such violence undermines efforts to restore peace in the state. It also pledged immediate action to address the situation and hold those responsible accountable.
