The truth about drone bombs, India’s National Security is under threat

The ongoing crisis in Manipur has taken a disturbing turn with the introduction of drone bombs in civilian areas, bringing the conflict into a new phase that threatens not only the local population but the very fabric of India’s national security. The tragic attack on September 1, in which a 31-year-old mother was killed and eleven others, including her young daughter, were injured in Koutruk village, exemplifies this dangerous escalation. What is even more alarming is how quickly the narrative was manipulated, with Kuki militant groups and their civil society supporters attempting to blame the Meitei for the violence. The efforts to shift responsibility, particularly through a memorandum from the World Kuki Zo Intellectual Council (WKZIC) submitted immediately after the incident, is a calculated move to confuse the public and divert attention from the undeniable facts.
The use of drone bombs represents a sophisticated tactic, far beyond what local militant groups have typically employed in internal conflicts. This signals that the Kuki militants are receiving external support—whether it be from foreign states or non-state actors. The nature of the drones and explosives points to advanced technology and logistics, raising serious questions about how these militant factions have acquired such weaponry. The infiltration of foreign-made arms into Manipur, coupled with the growing sophistication of attacks, underscores a threat far greater than regional ethnic tensions. It is no longer just about the conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities; it is about the integrity of India’s national security.
India’s security apparatus is under pressure. We are witnessing a scenario that closely mirrors the playbook of international destabilization efforts. The involvement of external actors, such as the US and China, is becoming more apparent. There is a clear effort to turn this region into a geopolitical pawn, where the ambitions of a Christian state, driven by the Chin-Kuki dream, and the potential support from foreign powers, risk destabilizing not just Manipur, but India’s entire Northeastern region.
Arnab Goswami, Republic TV’s chief editor, has often pointed out the complex interplay of foreign interests in India’s internal conflicts, and the events unfolding in Manipur are no exception. The drone bomb attack is a sign of something much larger brewing beneath the surface. It is no longer possible to dismiss this crisis as a local ethnic conflict—it is, as Goswami has repeatedly emphasized, a “National Security Concern.”
The Indian authorities must wake up to the reality that this is a coordinated and well-funded militants, with strategic backing. It is not merely about indigenous rights or regional grievances; it is about undermining the sovereignty of India. The Kuki militants’ access to advanced technology, including drones, speaks volumes about the involvement of foreign players. These groups are not isolated—there is a clear pipeline of resources that is fueling their violence.
The government must respond with the urgency that this situation demands. The delay in bringing the violence to an end has allowed these insurgent groups to consolidate their power and refine their tactics. The longer this situation is allowed to fester, the more emboldened these groups will become, and the more dangerous the situation will be for India’s internal security. It is critical that the government understands the true motive behind the Kuki insurgency. It is not just about a separate homeland; it is about creating a power vacuum that foreign actors are eager to fill. The Indian military, intelligence agencies, and cyber defense systems must be fully prepared for the next phase of this conflict, which may include even more sophisticated attacks and cyber intrusions.
The use of drones and the involvement of foreign elements has turned Manipur into a hotspot for national security concerns. As Goswami has often said, the truth cannot be hidden for long. The evidence is clear, and it is time for decisive action. The longer we wait, the more dangerous this situation will become, not just for Manipur, but for the entire country. India cannot afford to lose control of this region, especially with China and the US lurking in the shadows, waiting to exploit any weakness.
As the adage goes, “The truth will always come to light”—and in this case, the truth is that India’s security is under siege from both internal and external forces. The time to act is now.