Context:
- A banned insurgent outfit operating in the Northeast has claimed responsibility for a drone-based attack on an Assam Rifles camp located near the India–Myanmar border.
- The incident occurred in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district, a sensitive area affected by insurgency and cross-border security challenges.
Key Highlights:
- Case Facts:
- The attack allegedly involved a drone carrying explosives, aimed at an Assam Rifles camp.
- Four personnel were injured, all reported to be in stable condition.
- Official sources confirmed that low-tech equipment was used, ruling out high-grade or military-grade drones.
- Government / Security Response:
- A joint investigation by Assam Rifles, Army, and state police was launched.
- Search and combing operations intensified in border areas.
- Authorities highlighted the role of insurgent propaganda, stating the claim was circulated through videos and online platforms.
- Insurgent Group Involved:
- The group has links with other banned outfits such as NSCN (KYA) and ULFA (I).
- It reportedly operates from across the Myanmar border, exploiting difficult terrain and porous borders.
- Significance / Concerns:
- Marks an emerging trend of drone use by non-state actors.
- Raises concerns over border management, surveillance gaps, and asymmetric warfare.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Use of drones by insurgent groups in India’s Northeast.
- Causes:
- Porous borders with Myanmar
- Easy availability of commercial drones
- Difficult terrain and limited surveillance
- Government Initiatives:
- Assam Rifles’ border guarding role
- Free Movement Regime (FMR) (under review)
- Strengthening counter-insurgency and intelligence coordination
- Impact:
- Threat to internal security and border stability
- Need for anti-drone technology deployment
Relevant Mains Points:
- Keywords: Internal Security, Insurgency, Drone Warfare, Border Management
- Static Linkages:
- Role of Assam Rifles as the lead force along the Indo-Myanmar border
- Challenges of hybrid and asymmetric threats
- Way Forward:
- Deployment of anti-drone systems
- Enhanced intelligence sharing with Myanmar
- Capacity building of border forces
- Regulating civilian drone usage more effectively
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS Paper III: Internal Security – role of non-state actors, border security challenges