In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, insurgents used drones equipped with rocket-propelled grenades to kill two people on Sunday. The attack took place in the Imphal West district and is seen as a significant intensification of the violence that has plagued the region.

The drones, armed with explosives, targeted both government forces and civilians, marking an unprecedented use of technology in the conflict, according to local police. This new tactic has raised concerns about the involvement of highly trained individuals with technical expertise.

The violence in Manipur began escalating in May of the previous year, following clashes between the Meitei Hindu majority and the Christian Kuki community. The unrest was triggered by a government proposal that favored the Meitei, leading to over 200 deaths and the displacement of approximately 50,000 people.

In the recent drone attack, a 31-year-old woman was killed, and her eight-year-old daughter was injured. The assault also left six people wounded and caused damage to several homes due to heavy shelling by militants.

The ethnic tensions in Manipur are rooted in longstanding issues between the Meitei, who constitute 53% of the population and hold significant political and economic power, and the Kuki, who live in the hilly regions and have grievances over land and resources.

Although the situation had calmed somewhat since April, following the deaths of two paramilitary soldiers, the latest drone attack indicates a possible resurgence of conflict. Last year, the Manipur High Court advised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party to recommend tribal status for the Meitei, a move opposed by the Kuki and potentially exacerbating community tensions.

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