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The seized drone is being studied. (News 18)
Officials said the force is considering procuring anti-drone equipment from BSF and CRPF, but the high cost of the technology is a hurdle
Militants used drones to drop bombs in the Senjam Chirang Maning Leikai and Koutruk areas of Imphal West district, killing two people, senior government officials told CNN-News. The drones appeared to be commonly used in the market for photography or delivery. cargo drone.
Speaking to CNN-News18, a Manipur government official said: “At first glance, it looks like a drone that has been modified to carry bombs. It seems that a hook has been added to carry crude bombs. Bomb, just press the button and the hook will release.
Officials said similar delivery drones have been spotted in the past 16 months. “Both the Mintai Group and the Kuki Group have used such drones for surveillance since the violence began 16 months ago,” a police officer told CNN-News18.
Manipur Police has commissioned a team of experts to study the drone seized from Kharam Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district on September 2. .
Deploy counter-drone technology
Officials confirmed that the Assam Rifles have set up anti-drone equipment with a range of 8-10 kilometers. The newly deployed equipment is similar to what is already in place at the Bishnupur-Churachandpur border in the state. Manipur police also contacted NSG, which has expertise in counter-drone technology.
“There are many anti-drone technologies available but they are expensive. The product manufactured by DRDO costs up to Rs 10 crore. So, deploying it over a large area may not be feasible. But we will discuss other options with the Manipur Police,” said an NSG official.
The BSF uses anti-drone guns mounted on tripods. Anti-drone equipment of BSF and CRPF are being considered for procurement, officials said.
Kuki Group denies role
Manipur police blamed the attack on the Kuki group, but the Kuki student organization denied involvement.
KSO said in a statement: “Since December 2023, there have been mentions of the use of drone bombs by Meiteis against Kukis, but no one has noticed it. Regarding KNF members receiving specialized drone attack training in Myanmar Claims need to be substantiated by evidence.
BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh alleged that Kuki outfit ITLF was accepting donations to purchase drones. In a post on X, Chief Minister N Biren Singh's son-in-law Singh called for a ban on the ITLF under UAPA if it is established that it is indulging in drone terrorism. However, an ITLF spokesperson told CNN-News18 that the receipt posted on social media was fake. A senior Manipur police official said the allegation would be investigated.
