Manipur kuki militants drone attack: NIA arrests suspect in strike that killed Meitei housewife
Summary of the News Story
On July 2, 2025, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), under the directive of India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, arrested Samuel Thongcianhao Vaiphei, a suspect in connection with a drone attack on September 1, 2024, which tragically killed 31-year-old Ngangbam Surbala Devi in Imphal West district and injured her young daughter. Vaiphei, alleged to be a member of a Kuki-Zo militant group, was detained on June 22 in Kangpokpi district and is currently in judicial custody until July 13, 2025, according to NIA filings . The investigation revealed militants dropped over 40 bombs via drones between 2:30 pm–6 pm, followed by a ground assault setting several properties ablaze between 6 pm–8 pm. The incident prompted the NIA to pursue legal action under multiple laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, the Explosive Substances Act, and the UAPA
Drone Terror in Manipur: Unmasking the Attack That Shook Imphal
Why This Incident Matters
Have you ever imagined warfare unfolding right above your village? For residents of Koutruk and Kadangband, that nightmare became reality on September 1, 2024. This wasn’t a distant battlefield—it was home, it was real, and lives were lost. The NIA’s recent arrest of Samuel Thongcianhao Vaiphei brings a glimmer of hope and justice. But what really happened? And why is it so pivotal?
Setting the Scene: Manipur’s Rising Tensions
Starting May 2023, simmering ethnic tensions between valley-based Meiteis and hill-based Kuki-Zo communities escalated into widespread violence. The “Tribal Solidarity March” demanding ST status fanned the flames, leaving over 260 dead and countless homes destroyed . Amid this unrest, insurgent tactics evolved—enter drones.
The Drone Bombing: A Day Turned Deadly
On that fateful September day, militants deployed drones to launch over 40 bombs on villages nestled between Imphal West and Kangpokpi between 2:30 pm–6 pm. After the air assault, they launched a ground offensive between 6–8 pm, torching trucks, motorcycles, water pumps, an Activa scooter, and even homes
The most devastating outcome? The tragic loss of Ngangbam Surbala Devi, 31, killed in Phayeng Umang Leikai. Her nine-year-old daughter survived, but sustained a bullet wound to the elbow
Enter NIA: The Investigation Begins
The Lamshang Police filed FIR no. 30(9)2024. But as the gravity of the attack emerged, the MHA ordered the NIA to take over on September 17, 2024, and it was registered under several offenses—from explosive acts to terrorism. A Special Court in Imphal West confirmed the transfer on September 19, 2024
The Arrest of Vaiphei: A Breakthrough
Investigators zeroed in on Samuel Vaiphei, alleged cadre of a Kuki militant outfit. Arrested on June 22 in Kangpokpi, he was initially remanded until July 1, then further extended to July 13 by NIA court order
What Vaiphei is being charged with:
- Operating drones in terrorist attacks
- Violations of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Arms Act violations
- Explosive Substances Act
- UAPA-for terrorism
Final Take
The NIA’s arrest isn’t just a procedural step—it’s a symbol of intent. A milestone in addressing the unsettling use of drones in domestic terrorism. But it’s one link in a long chain: from arrests to convictions, from legal reforms to societal healing. The road ahead is long—yet this is a start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What was the date of the drone attack?
The attack occurred on September 1, 2024, targeting villages in Imphal West and Kangpokpi. - How many bombs were dropped?
Over 40 bombs were dropped using drones between 2:30–6 pm, followed by a ground assault - Who was arrested?
Samuel Thongcianhao Vaiphei, allegedly a Kuki militant cadre, arrested June 22 in Kangpokpi. He is in judicial custody until July 13, 2025 - Why did NIA get involved?
The NIA took over after MHA directive on September 17, 2024, given the militant and cross-border nature of the attack - What legal charges are involved?
The case is filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and UAPA, covering terrorism, illegal arms usage, bombings, and conspiracy.
