Recent flare-ups of violence in Manipur have featured long-range rockets and drones deploying bombs, leading to speculation about the involvement of advanced weaponry and potential cross-border arms supplies. However, sources within the security establishment assert that the weapons used are not of military grade.
According to the Manipur police, the drones employed in these attacks are standard commercial models readily available on the market, while the rockets are locally assembled. Despite the significant impact of these attacks, the weapons used do not include military-grade technology.
While the use of drones, assault rifles, and rockets has been part of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur since May last year, recent attacks demonstrate an increase in the effectiveness of these homemade weapons. Drones, which were initially used for surveillance, and short-range rockets and mortars have become more prevalent in the conflict.
On Friday, a suspected militant rocket attack targeted the residence of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng Singh in Moirang, resulting in one death and five injuries. Moirang, located in the Meitei-dominated Bishnupur district, is a considerable distance from the hills from which the rocket was likely launched. Sources indicated that the rocket traveled approximately 3 kilometers before striking the former Chief Minister’s residence.
This attack followed a drone assault on Meitei-dominated Koutruk village in Imphal West district on September 1, where bombs dropped from drones caused extensive damage and resulted in two fatalities. Reports suggest that between 30 and 40 bombs were dropped during the attack, with the remnants of the bombs and rockets currently under analysis by police and security forces.
The rockets used in these attacks, though crude, are described as relatively sophisticated for homemade weapons. They can weigh up to 30 kilograms, measure about 10 feet in length, and travel up to 5 kilometers. These rockets are constructed from locally sourced pipes filled with gunpowder and an ignition thread in the tail, with the warhead packed with 2-3 kilograms of explosives and shrapnel. The rockets operate similarly to Diwali fireworks, with the head exploding upon impact.
The rocket that hit the former Chief Minister’s house was not guided, according to security officials. “These rockets are not guided; they are directed manually using an inclined plank. As a result, they can fall and explode anywhere,” a security officer explained.
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