Manipur: People turn off lights at home as drones are spotted in the state

Imphal: Officials said people in outskirts of Bishnupur and Imphal East in Manipur switched off their lights on Friday night after spotting several drones.

Earlier this week, drones were used to drop bombs on people in two nearby locations in Imphal West district.

Multiple drones
On Friday evening, several drones were spotted in Narainsena, Nambol Kamong in Bishnupur district and Pukhao, Dolaithabi and Shantipur in Imphal East district, creating panic in the areas, the officials said.

Lights off
In panic, the villagers turned off the lights at home.

An official said security forces in outlying areas were on high alert to monitor the movements of large groups.

Several “fierce volleys” were fired into the sky in Bishnupur district, lighting it up, causing panic and confusion among the population.

It is unclear whether security forces or other individuals used the sophisticated weapons.

Drones as weapons
The use of drones as a weapon was first observed in Manipur on September 1 in Koutruk village of Imphal West district. Two people were killed and nine others injured in the attack, in which weapons were also used.

The next day, the small remote-controlled aircraft was used again in Senjam Chirang, about three kilometers away. Three people were injured. (with information from the agency)