The Emerging Threat of Weaponised Drones in Manipur

The never-ending violence in Manipur, which has entered its seventeenth month, has escalated recently into the use of drones and short-distance rockets by Kuki militants to target Meitei settlements.

In Manipur, the Kuki militants have reportedly begun using drones and on Friday a rocket to carry out targeted attacks on Meitei settlements causing injuries and fatalities, including the deaths and injuries to civilians.

It marks a dangerous new chapter in the violence in the North East State that has plagued the region. It is a challenge to the administration, and security forces requiring new approaches to adopt a counter-action.

On Friday, a short-range rocket, reportedly fired by Kuki militants, struck the residence of the late former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng in Moirang. This attack resulted in the death of one civilian, RK Rabei and injuries to five others.

The use of a rocket and drones, sophisticated weaponry against Meitei targets marks a dangerous shift in the tactics of Kuki militants, as the use of such weaponry indicates an alarming escalation in hostilities and response. It raises serious concerns about the reshaping of violence in Manipur and from where they are getting the sophisticated weapons which share borders with Myanmar and the interstate border with Bangladesh through Assam.

Protests erupted across Manipur on Friday, with locals, including students, forming human chains at various locations. The protests were a direct condemnation of what many perceive as the failure of the Central and State troops to protect the lives and properties of the civilians.

The protestors demanded that all Kuki militant groups be declared terrorist organisations. The slogans “Drone bombing is an act of terrorism” and “We condemn the treatment of the people of Manipur by the Govt” were chanted, reflecting the growing frustration and fear among the Meitei community and Manipur State residents.

The two drone attacks to carry bombs, followed by a rocket attack is a new phenomenon which has resulted in casualties and destruction of properties, highlighting not only the evolving nature of armed violence in the North East but also the urgent need for a strong response from both state and central governments. It presents a serious challenge for both state and central authorities

Response to Drone Warfare

This phenomenon, while new to the region, raises serious questions about the legality of such actions under national and international law, who is supplying the drones to the insurgents and what measures or responses the government should take to counter these threats.

Drones were originally developed for military and surveillance purposes and have become a versatile tool in modern warfare. Security Forces have traditionally used them for reconnaissance and precision strikes, but their accessibility and adaptability have also made them attractive to militants.

The Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur, Rajiv Singh, has described this development as a “new phenomenon” that demands urgent attention. The formation of a high-level committee to address the threat, along with the involvement of Delhi-based agencies like the National Security Guard (NSG), and others.

The State’s request for additional central forces and the deployment of advanced counter-drone technologies are crucial steps in mitigating the threat posed by these aerial assaults.

Drone attacks were last seen being used at Jammu’s Indian Air Force Station where low-flying drones were used to drop Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in 2021 or Punjab and J&K have seen drones coming in from across the India-Pakistan international border and LoC dropping weapons and drugs into Indian territory.

The use of drones by militants to target civilian populations is a clear violation of international law but we have seen that terrorists or non-state actors hardly follow the rules, particularly the principles of humanity, distinction, and proportionality. The attack targeting civilians and unarmed persons is a breach of humanity.

Furthermore, the use of military-grade equipment by insurgent groups raises concerns about the potential involvement of external entities. Any third actor or country that provides arms and related technologies to militants or terrorists, particularly when there is a high risk that these weapons will be used to commit civilian casualties is a violation of human rights.

Manipur has a 390 km border with Myanmar where conflict continues and an inter-state border with Bangladesh through Assam.

In recent years, various insurgent groups and terrorist organisations worldwide have adopted drones as part of their arsenals, exploiting their accessibility.

For example, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is one example of armed terrorists utilising drones in conflict. Beginning around 2014, ISIS used commercially available drones to drop explosives on Iraqi and Syrian forces. These drones were often modified to carry small munitions and were used to target both military personnel and civilians. It prompted international concern and led to the development of new counter-drone technologies and strategies.

Again, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have employed drones in their conflict against the Yemeni government and Saudi-led coalition forces. These drones, often provided or enhanced with technology from external actors like Iran, have been used in attacks on critical infrastructure, including oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. The Houthi’s use of drones has complicated the conflict in Yemen, making it difficult for traditional military forces to counter these aerial threats effectively.

Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has similarly used drones to conduct surveillance and carry out attacks against Israel. The group has acquired drone technology, some of which is believed to have been supplied by Iran. Hezbollah’s drone operations have escalated tensions in the region, with Israel developing advanced anti-drone measures in response.

These examples highlight the growing trend of armed militants adopting drone technology to advance their agendas which needs brainstorming at the multilateral platforms working on counter-terrorism.

The Need for a Multi-Faceted Approach

The government’s response to the drone threat in Manipur must be comprehensive and multi-faceted. The formation of a high-level committee and the involvement of central agencies like the NSG are crucial first steps. However, more must be done to effectively neutralise this threat and prevent further escalation.

The deployment of advanced counter-drone technologies, such as jammers and interception systems, is essential to mitigate the threat posed by weaponized drones.

The Manipur Police’s discovery of an unexploded bomb dropped by a drone highlights the need for trained rapid response teams equipped to deal with such threats. Additionally, the government should consider increasing the deployment of state forces along with technical experts on the use of aerial weapons. Local police need further advanced training on how to handle aerial weapons.

The government must also pursue legal avenues to hold those responsible for these attacks accountable. This includes investigating the origins of the drones and explosives used and ensuring that those supplying these weapons are brought to justice. Those aiding the militants need to be exposed.

The grievances of affected communities are continuously increasing in Manipur. Sustained efforts are needed to rebuild trust and provide support to those impacted by the violence. This includes ensuring that adequate medical care and psychological support are available to victims and that affected areas receive the necessary resources to recover and rebuild.

Diplomatic efforts should be made to secure international support in curbing the flow of weapons and technology to insurgent groups in the region more so from neighbouring Myanmar who have loads of Chinese illegal weapons with them.

Additionally, India should seek to strengthen its ties with countries that have experience in counter-drone operations, to enhance its capabilities in this area.

The potential involvement of external actors in supplying or enhancing drone capabilities like the Kuki militants cannot be overlooked. The importance of monitoring and controlling the flow of technology and arms that could be used in such conflicts should be taken as a priority. India must remain vigilant in identifying and intercepting any such supply chains that could aggravate the violence in Manipur.

Lastly, it is important to have a dialogue with the aggrieved groups and the possibility of bringing both warring groups to a table. Can neighbouring State leaders from Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Assam, who understand the local North East culture more than ones from central or north India be brought to bring the leaders of both groups for negotiations?

The situation in Manipur is a reminder of the evolving nature of conflict and the need for governments to remain vigilant and adaptable in the face of new and emerging security challenges.

The threat posed by weaponised drones and the use of a short rocket is real and growing, and it requires a concerted effort by all levels of government and society to ensure that it is addressed effectively. Otherwise, the consequences of inaction could be devastating for the region and beyond if allowed to continue. It needs to be seized at the beginning or else tomorrow more autonomous weapons will be brought by the terrorists.

Surinder Singh Oberoi,

National Editor Greater Kashmir