DailyPost 2905
MANIPUR – SPIRALLING OUT OF CONTROL
Are the ominous signs of Gaza, Israel, Iran or of Nagorno-Karabakh already there? How long can we continue with the ostrich mentality? Why not face crises and issues head on. That is not a discretion that we can exercise because that is the only way it can be dealt. We are talking about the ushering in of drone warfare in Manipur, making the situation much more volatile and vulnerable. The use of drones for bombing, RPGs and use of sophisticated weapons has exacerbated the situation to the point that there is a clear-cut feeling that it has spiraled out of control.
What convinced the security forces and the powers that be above them that drones would not be used in this law and order situation, if we still want to understand it as a regular law and order situation. Drones following such situations with venom, post an initial lull, has been a normal progression in the large parts of the world. It may be nascent now, but sufficient enough not to have even an iota of complacency. It has long back been transformed from a law and order situation to a civil strife status onto a major internal security issue. Given the grave developments of last week or so, it is on the precipice of becoming an international hotspot.
Besides the drone and rocket attacks, a fresh wave of violence has also erupted with its bloody results. While it claimed that an anti-drone system has been deployed, many more would need to be deployed, the efficacy is totally unknown. The scare is palpable. People in peripheral areas of Bishnupur and Imphal East districts turned off their lights on Friday night following sightings of multiple drones. Multiple drones were also sighted at Narainsena, Nambol Kamong, Pukhao, Dolaithabi and Shantipur. It is also learnt that a military helicopter has also been deployed to conduct aerial patrolling.
The high-tech onslaught on various fronts will take a few months to be retaliated vociferously, while also getting the act right on preparedness. The clarity on sourcing of drones and weaponry needs to come by, the intelligence component of the whole operations needs beefing up. Getting fed up with the nature of operations and results thereof, Coordinating Committee of Manipur Integrity, COCOMMI, has issued a strong ultimatum. It has demanded immediate and decisive action to resolve the ongoing crisis with a five day deadline. The government’s failure will lead to drastic action by the people. Protests also continue including school and college students in uniform and women.
THE MANIPUR SITUATION HAS PUT THE GOVERNMENT IN A BIND.
Sanjay Sahay
Have a nice evening.