Rocket threats have become a growing concern in Manipur as violence escalates between ethnic communities, with militants now using modern weaponry such as drones and rockets. As the conflict rages on, drone warfare and indigenous weaponry have also come into play, forcing security forces to change their strategies and spread across new regions to counter the growing threats. The ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities continues to intensify, with both sides adopting increasingly sophisticated tactics. This has turned the conflict into one of the most volatile in recent times, putting the entire state on high alert.
New Deployment Strategy Amid Rocket Threats
In recent weeks, rocket threats have redefined the battlefield in Manipur, a state already ravaged by ethnic violence. The deployment of powerful long-range rockets by militants has forced security forces to change their tactical approach. Previously, central forces were stationed primarily along the border regions, forming buffer zones between the hill-dwelling Kukis and the valley-based Meiteis. However, the discovery of multiple rockets, including a 7.5-foot-long rocket in Churachandpur and a 9-foot-long rocket earlier in the month, has led to a strategic shift. The security forces have now dispersed into the dense forests, patrolling within a 5-kilometer radius to prevent further rocket attacks.
This shift in deployment reflects the growing sophistication of militant tactics. As drones and long-range rockets become more prevalent, the need for heightened vigilance has never been more urgent. A senior officer in Manipur’s security forces explained, “Our earlier strategy focused on preventing territorial incursions between communities, but now we are dealing with far more powerful weapons. We must ensure these rockets never reach populated areas.” The danger posed by these weapons is real; a rocket fired from Churachandpur recently traveled up to 7 kilometers, hitting a house in Moirang town in the valley.
The introduction of these rocket threats signals a new chapter in the conflict. The forces are conducting foot patrols in the hills, a drastic shift from their previous approach of responding only after clashes occurred. Now, they are actively seeking to dominate the terrain, combing through forested areas where militants are believed to be hiding. With the threat of rockets looming, no effort is being spared to secure the region.
Militant Forces Employ Drone Warfare for Tactical Advantage
While rocket threats have introduced a new level of destruction to the conflict, drone warfare has emerged as an equally potent weapon in the militants’ arsenal. In recent months, drones have been used not only for surveillance but also for launching deadly attacks. The presence of drones has forced security forces to rethink their strategy, as these devices allow militants to strike targets with pinpoint accuracy from a safe distance. The army and paramilitary forces have responded by installing drone jammers across strategic buffer zones, with each jammer capable of covering up to 8 kilometers.
The use of drone warfare is particularly concerning due to its ability to evade traditional defenses. As drones can be operated remotely and are difficult to detect, they have become an effective tool for militants on both sides of the conflict. In response, the army and paramilitary forces have ordered additional drone jammers to be deployed across the state. The cost of each jammer, nearly ₹13 lakh, underscores the scale of the investment being made to counter this growing threat.
Officials from the Manipur Police have also begun placing orders for new drone-jamming technology to ensure that no stone is left unturned in this ongoing battle. However, despite these measures, drone attacks have already claimed several lives. Earlier this month, a civilian was killed in a drone strike, highlighting the urgency of the situation. For the people of Manipur, drone warfare is yet another grim reminder of the escalating violence in the region.
Kuki Volunteers and the Evolution of Indigenous Weaponry
Beyond rocket threats and drone warfare, the conflict in Manipur has seen the resurgence of indigenous weaponry among the Kuki villagers. Known for their resourcefulness, the Kuki village defense volunteers (VDVs) have long relied on homemade weapons, particularly modified versions of traditional firearms like the Pumpi gun. In recent months, these weapons have been adapted to fire crude rockets, giving the Kuki VDVs a significant edge in their confrontations with Meitei militants.
The Pumpi gun, a rudimentary rocket launcher made from welded iron pipes, has become a symbol of Kuki resistance. Capable of firing projectiles up to 10 kilometers, the Pumpi gun has evolved from its humble origins. In the past, villagers would use bamboo wrapped in buffalo skin to create makeshift launchers, but as the conflict has intensified, so too has the sophistication of the weapons. Kuki volunteers now claim to have three distinct versions of the Pumpi gun, each capable of launching rockets of varying ranges.
One Kuki volunteer, an 18-year-old stationed in the Sadar Hills, explained the evolution of their indigenous weaponry: “We have been forced to improvise due to the lack of advanced arms. While the Meiteis have looted automatic rifles, we have focused on perfecting the Pumpi. It may not be as high-tech, but it serves its purpose.” These weapons, though rudimentary, have allowed the Kukis to hold their own against the more heavily armed Meitei militants, adding a new dimension to the ongoing conflict.
Rising Tensions as Violence Grips Manipur’s Ethnic Communities
The ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities continues to spiral out of control. What began as a dispute over tribal status has now morphed into a full-blown conflict, with both sides increasingly adopting sophisticated weaponry, including rocket threats, drone warfare, and indigenous weaponry. The state of Manipur has become a battleground, with fatalities mounting on both sides.
Since the violence began last May, over 225 people have been killed. The central government has struggled to restore order, with local law enforcement agencies often caught in the middle of the conflict. The state’s chief minister, Biren Singh, has faced criticism for his perceived pro-Meitei stance, which has only deepened the divide between the two communities. With the police force split along ethnic lines, it has been the presence of central forces like the Assam Rifles and the army that has prevented further bloodshed.
However, even the central forces are finding it difficult to contain the violence. The increasing use of rocket threats and drone warfare has overwhelmed traditional security measures, forcing the deployment of advanced technology such as drone jammers and area domination patrols. Despite these efforts, the conflict shows no signs of abating. The ethnic divide runs deep, and with both sides now entrenched in their positions, the prospect of a peaceful resolution seems more distant than ever.
As the conflict in Manipur enters its latest phase, the state remains on edge. The introduction of indigenous weaponry, coupled with the ongoing use of rockets and drones, has created a volatile situation that threatens to spiral out of control. With tensions running high and no end in sight, the people of Manipur are bracing for what could be a long and bloody conflict.
Conclusion
Manipur’s ethnic violence has now escalated into a conflict where modern technology meets age-old hostilities. Rocket threats have forced the security forces to shift their deployment strategies, while drone warfare continues to inflict damage on both communities. The Kukis, adapting to their limited resources, have evolved indigenous weaponry to hold their ground against better-armed opponents. As the conflict drags on, the divide between the Kuki and Meitei communities deepens, pushing Manipur into an even more perilous state. It is a conflict defined not only by the weapons used but by the deep-rooted tensions that continue to fuel the violence. The battle for peace in Manipur is far from over, and the stakes have never been higher.
FAQ
What are the primary reasons behind the recent escalation in Manipur?
The conflict in Manipur has intensified due to the adoption of more advanced weaponry, such as long-range rockets and drones. The rocket threats have become a significant issue, with both sides utilizing these powerful weapons to target each other. The ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities, which started over tribal status disputes, has spiraled out of control as militants use modern technology to wage war.
How has drone warfare affected the security situation in Manipur?
Drone warfare has added a new layer of complexity to the conflict. Drones are being used not only for surveillance but also for launching attacks, giving militants a tactical advantage. Security forces have responded by deploying drone jammers, but the widespread use of drones has made it difficult to maintain control, leading to increased casualties and further destabilization of the region.
How have Kuki militants evolved their indigenous weaponry?
The Kuki militants have turned to indigenous weaponry like the Pumpi gun, which has been modified to launch rockets over long distances. These weapons, crafted from locally available materials such as iron pipes and metals from construction sites, can now fire rockets up to 10 kilometers. The ability to create such weapons has allowed the Kukis to counter the Meitei militants, who are armed with looted automatic rifles.
What measures are security forces taking to address the growing threats in Manipur?
In response to the rocket threats and drone warfare, security forces in Manipur have expanded their operations. They have moved beyond the buffer zones and into the dense forests within a 5-kilometer radius to prevent rocket attacks. The deployment of drone jammers has also been a crucial step in countering the drone threats. Area domination patrols and intelligence-gathering missions are now central to their strategy.
What role does ethnic violence play in the ongoing conflict in Manipur?
Ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities is at the heart of the conflict. What began as a protest against a court decision on tribal status has escalated into a full-blown war, with both sides using increasingly sophisticated weapons. The pro-Meitei stance of the state government has further fueled the conflict, leading to a breakdown in local law enforcement and the need for central forces to intervene.
How are villagers in Manipur coping with the escalating violence?
Both Kuki and Meitei villagers have taken up arms to defend themselves. Villagers have built bunkers and recruited village defense volunteers (VDVs), who are trained by militants to protect their communities. These volunteers use modified indigenous weaponry to guard against attacks, creating a highly militarized environment in many villages.
Are there any foreign influences in the supply of weapons to militants in Manipur?
While some reports have suggested that the rockets and weapons used by militants are being supplied from foreign sources, Kuki volunteers have denied this claim. They maintain that their weapons are locally produced, using materials found in Manipur. They have adapted traditional weapons like the Pumpi gun to create more powerful versions capable of firing rockets over long distances.
How is the conflict in Manipur likely to evolve in the coming months?
The conflict shows no signs of abating. With both sides adopting more advanced weaponry and the central forces struggling to maintain control, the violence is likely to continue. The rocket threats, drone warfare, and indigenous weaponry are all contributing to the destabilization of the region. Without a peaceful resolution or stronger government intervention, the violence could spread to other parts of the state, leading to further casualties and destruction.
What is the economic impact of the ongoing violence in Manipur?
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted Manipur’s economy. The disruption caused by rocket threats and drone warfare has led to a breakdown in local commerce, with many businesses shutting down due to safety concerns. The movement of goods and services has also been hampered by the violence, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the people of Manipur.
What are the long-term solutions to the conflict in Manipur?
A peaceful resolution to the conflict will require dialogue between the Kuki and Meitei communities, as well as stronger intervention from the central government. Addressing the root causes of the violence, including ethnic tensions and economic disparities, will be crucial. Additionally, controlling the flow of weapons and de-escalating the use of indigenous weaponry, rocket threats, and drone warfare will be essential in restoring peace to the region.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
