Imphal: Kuki Village Volunteers, Ukhrul Gamkai has issued a strong warning against what it described as repeated “unauthorized airspace intrusion” over areas inhabited by Kuki-Zo communities in the Ukhrul region of Manipur.
In a press statement issued yesterday by its Media Cell, the group claimed that an unidentified drone was spotted hovering over farming areas under the jurisdiction of Mongkot Chepu on May 18 and later over residential areas on May 19. According to the statement, the alleged source of the drone activity was traced to Sikibung/Sharkaphung village.
The volunteers warned that any unauthorized drone found operating within the jurisdiction of Kuki-Zo villages in the future would be “shot down.” The statement further alleged that the village from which such drones originate would be held responsible for any “retaliatory action” that may follow.
The group also raised concern over a passenger helicopter operating between Ukhrul and Imphal, alleging that it had frequently flown at “extremely low altitude” over Kuki-Zo areas in a manner they perceived as provocative.
In the statement, the volunteers advised that the helicopter should instead use the airspace over Tangkhul villages. It further warned that if the chopper again flies through the airspace of Kuki-Zo villages, it too would be “shot down.”
