Drones have become a cheap yet deadly element of modern warfare. But their deployment in an internal ethnic conflict in India signals a dangerous escalation.
Manipur has been on the edge since May 2023, when ethnic violence erupted in Manipur between the Meitei people and the Kuki-Zo tribal community.
After just two months of uneasy peace, the spectre of violence is back in Manipur.
On Sunday, September 1, the town of Kangpokpi was shaken by a deadly attack that left two people dead and at least ten others injured including a 12-year-old girl, two policemen, and a TV reporter. This attack is the first known use of drones to deliver explosives in the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities and it opens up a pandora’s box of horrifying possibilities.
So, why should India be alarmed by the use of drone bombs in Manipur? News9 Plus Decodes
Let’s begin with the obvious question.
Why is this drone attack so significant?
Drones have become a cheap yet deadly element of modern warfare, used effectively in conflicts such as the Ngorno-Karabakh war in 2020 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, their deployment in an internal ethnic conflict in India signals a dangerous escalation.
Unlike traditional firearms, drones allow attackers to strike from a distance, making it difficult to predict and counter such assaults. This capability introduces a new dimension to the conflict, one that could lead to increased targeted killings and collateral damage, further destabilising the region. The fear that these attacks could provoke larger-scale violence adds to the urgency of addressing this threat.
Who carried out the attacks?
The Manipur Police have attributed the drone attacks to “alleged Kuki militants”. According to state police and the Home Department, the assault was carried out by “suspected Kuki militants” who allegedly used drones to launch rocket-propelled grenades and other explosives.
In response, Manipur’s state and central forces have intensified their operations to flush out militants and prevent further violence. The state government has appealed to the public to remain calm and has assured that combing operations are ongoing to identify and neutralise the perpetrators.
What are the implications for India?
The introduction of drone warfare in domestic conflicts could set a dangerous precedent, leading to more sophisticated and harder-to-detect attacks. This poses a significant challenge to law enforcement and security agencies, which must now adapt to counter the threat of drones. Furthermore, the use of drones could embolden other militant groups within India, potentially leading to similar tactics in other restive regions.
The escalation in Manipur could also strain the state’s relationship with the central government, as calls for more robust intervention and conflict resolution strategies increase.
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