The NIA asserts that 40 bombs were dropped on Manipur villages using drones, directly challenging the Army’s claims of no drone bombing, and raising critical questions about the attack’s logistics and bomb suppliers.
BY Navin Upadhyay
Five Questions the NIA Must Answer on the Manipur Drone Bombing Claims
1. Did the NIA consult the Army Chief?
o Did the NIA reach out to Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi to understand the basis of his assertion that no drone bombing occurred in Manipur?
2. Did the NIA cross-examine Army experts?
o On October 18, the Army Chief stated that ground inspections revealed no evidence of drone bombings. Did the NIA question the military personnel who conducted these checks and reported their findings to him?
3. Did the NIA verify Assam Rifles’ findings?
o Former Assam Rifles Director General P.C. Nair, in a television interview, described the drone bombing claims as a “false narrative” after consulting officers on the ground. Did the NIA investigate his sources or verify his findings?
The Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi @Spearcorps @adgpi categorically stated that there was no drone bombing present in Manipur.
Despite this, @NIA_India is putting forth conflicting evidence.
Is he deliberately attempting to shield Chin-Kuki-Zo illegal immigrants or… pic.twitter.com/8P5NUBcdrP
— BiMoL L (@Bimol27lyz) February 22, 2025
4. Who supplied the bombs?
o The NIA has identified two individuals—Khaigoulen Kipgen from Kuki-dominated Gamngai village, Motbung, and Laikangbam Albert Singh from Meitei-majority Nagamapal Kangjabi Leirak—as those who allegedly acquired drones. However, who provided the explosives used in the attack?
5. What was the motive ?
o Koutruk and Kadangband, the villages targeted in the drone bombing, are Meitei-dominated areas in Imphal West. If Singh were involved, what was his motive for attacking Meitei villages?
These unanswered questions cast doubt on the official narrative and demand further scrutiny.
ALSO READ: Manipur Drone Bombing: NIA Disputes Army Chief, Drone Suppliers Tracked—But What About the Bombs?
Conflicting Accounts: Army vs. NIA
These questions assure significance because contradicting the Army Chief’s assertion that no drone bombing took place, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on February 22 informed a Special Court that 40 bombs were dropped over two villages in Manipur on September 1, 2024.
The NIA presented key evidence before the Special Court NIA, Manipur, stating that:
• The drone attack on Koutruk and Kadangband resulted in one fatality and serious injuries to a child.
• The drones and accessories used were procured from suppliers in Delhi and Haryana.
• Their investigation traced the drone suppliers to Mayank Sharma (30) from New Delhi and Vikram Chaudhary from Rohtak, Haryana.
Now tell me, who is lying? Chief of Army Staff or NIA? @Diggi00007 @DrLamtinthangHk @Justice4Kuki_Zo @vijaita @jeegujja. Wow, more than 40 bombs were dropped from drone. #Kuki_Zo pic.twitter.com/3MxZlUvFbh
— Loya Thangjing (@LThang28110) February 22, 2025
According to the NIA’s application, between 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM on September 1, 2024, drones were seen hovering over Koutruk and Kadangband before dropping over 40 bombs on residential areas.
The violence escalated further after 6:00 PM, when militants reportedly descended from the western hill ranges, setting fire to homes, vehicles, and machinery. The aftermath left charred remains of Tata trucks, motorcycles, scooters, and water-pumping machines at Koutruk Chingthak Leikai.
This stark contradiction between the Army’s findings and the NIA’s claims raises critical concerns that require urgent clarification. Both agencies are reputable institutions of the country, and it is imperative that the NIA addresses the Army Chief’s statements to uphold his credibility and protect his reputation amid the slurs and abuses being directed at him on social media platforms.
I must confess, I’m no expert on drones or drone technology, but the questions I have raised are ones that could puzzle anyone, expert or novice.
