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By Anupam Mishra: The situation in Manipur has improved considerably but tensions continue to simmer after the recent ethnic clashes. As the Army and the Assam Rifles work tirelessly to prevent any escalation in violence, the international border with Myanmar is being monitored with drones and helicopters.
Clashes broke out between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the hill-based Kukis earlier on May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ by Kuki organisations. The tribal outfis were protesting against the move to include Meiteis in Scheduled Tribes category.
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As many as 54 people have lost their lives in the violence that broke out in Manipur, news agency PTI reported on May 6 quoting unnamed officials.
Over 100 columns of Army and Assam Rifles have been working tirelessly for the past 96 hours to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.
To significantly enhance surveillance capability in Manipur, employment of aviation assets is being intensified.
In particular, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters have been pressed into action for surveillance not only in the hinterland but also along Indo-Myanmar border.
Surveillance of border areas is crucial as Manipuri insurgent groups are known to be based in camps across the Myanmar border.
Defence sources had told India Today this surveillance aims to address the new security dimension posed by Manipur valley-based insurgent groups residing in camps across the border, potentially hindering efforts to restore normalcy in the state.
ALSO READ | Aerial surveillance to begin along Indo-Myanmar border amid violence in Manipur
Use of aerial surveillance is of utmost importance in modern military warfare. It gives the security forces a major edge to not only carry out effective surveillance of anti-national elements but also target elements that may harm important installations.
Employment of these aerial assets is giving a major boost to the effectiveness of Army and Assam Rifles, success of which is evident on the ground in Manipur.
The surveillance by UAVs and helicopters of the border has likely prevented any misadventure by Manipur valley-based insurgent groups staying across the border in various camps.
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