Manipur CM meets Governor amid escalating violence: 5 Killed, anti-drone systems deployed

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh met Governor L. Acharya on Saturday evening amid fresh violence that has killed seven people and injured more than 15 over the past five days. Singh’s meeting with the Governor followed an emergency meeting with MLAs from the ruling coalition, including the BJP, Naga People's Front, and the National People’s Party, at the CM secretariat. The discussions centered on the deteriorating law and order situation and recent attacks by armed miscreants. The deployment of anti-drone systems was announced by Manipur Police after drone and rocket attacks on civilians, with intensified combing operations in vulnerable areas such as hills and valleys. Army helicopters have been conducting aerial patrols as security forces continue monitoring the situation.

The violence in Jiribam intensified when suspected Kuki militants attacked Nungchabi village, killing an elderly man, Kulendra Singha. This led to a heavy exchange of fire near Rashidpur village, resulting in the deaths of B. Lakhikanta Sharma and three armed militants in camouflage uniforms. Security forces have recovered a cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition, including a modified sniper rifle and explosives. In Churachandpur district, security forces destroyed three militant bunkers after insurgents launched rocket attacks in Bishnupur, which killed one person and injured six others.

Ethnically diverse Jiribam, largely unaffected by previous ethnic violence, has seen increasing unrest since the killing of a 59-year-old man in June. In response, authorities are closely monitoring social media for signs of incitement and have warned that violators will be held accountable. Amid the turmoil, sightings of multiple drones in Bishnupur and Imphal East districts have caused panic among residents. These high-tech attacks have heightened tensions in the state, where over 200 people have died, and thousands have been displaced due to ethnic violence since May last year.