Manipur: Students Stage Protests Over Drone, Rocket Attacks

IMPHAL- Thousands of students protested in front of the Manipur secretariat and Raj Bhavan, demanding action against those behind the recent drone and rocket attacks, and calling for the protection of the state’s “territorial and administrative integrity”.

At least eight persons have died and over 12 injured in the fresh wave of violence, which includes drone and missile attacks.

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The school and college students chanted slogans such as “Long Live Manipur,” “Resign all incompetent MLAs,” and “Give Unified Command to State Government” and expressed their frustration with the authorities over their handling of the situation. Later, the students met Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Governor L Acharya.

The demonstration followed a day after chief minister N Biren Singh along with 18 MLAs, convened a meeting on with governor L Acharya amidst the recent outbreak of violence.

In response, security forces have deployed anti-drone systems  in the fringe areas of Manipur to counter potential threats from rogue drones. Additionally, the Central Reserve Police Force ( CRPF ) ) is bringing in more anti-drone guns to bolster security measures in the state.

मणिपुर में तनाव बढ़ा। पश्चिम इंफाल में विरोध रैली | दिन भर होता रहा विरोध प्रदर्शन। मणिपुर में शांति कैसे बहाल होगी जब सरकार खामोश हो ? #Manipur #ManipurFightsBack #ManipurViolence #NBirenSingh #ManipurDroneAttack #ManipurCrisis #meitie #Kukis pic.twitter.com/wP5owlKq17

— manzaralam (@manzaralam555) September 9, 2024

“The AR has deployed several anti-drone systems in the state’s fringe areas to repel any rogue drones. The CRPF has also tested one anti-drone system and provided it to the forces deployed in the state. More anti-drone guns are being brought to the state by the CRPF shortly,” the Manipur Police stated in a post on X.

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Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), led by Khuraijam Athouba, has declared an indefinite public emergency, citing increased Kuki aggression in the region.

Earlier, at least five people were killed in a gun battle between groups belonging to two communities in Manipur’s Jiribam district. A security source said that several others were injured and the number of casualty can rise.

On Friday, suspected militants launched rocket attacks at the residence of Manipur’s first chief minister Mairembam Koireng, killing one and injuring six others.

Security forces in response destroyed three bunkers in the neighboring Churachandpur district and aerial patrolling was conducted using a military helicopter.