Manipur violence: In a shocking escalation of violence in Manipur, an elderly man was killed, and several others were injured in a rocket attack in the town of Moirang, located in the Bishnupur district. The attack occurred on September 6, 2024, and has led to the closure of all schools in the state for safety reasons. With rising unrest, bombings, and drone attacks, the state’s peace has been severely compromised. The government has decided to prioritize the safety of students and teachers, suspending educational activities on September 7, 2024.
The Attack: On Friday, September 6, 2024, a bomb was launched by suspected militants targeting a residential area in Moirang. The rocket hit the compound of Manipur’s first Chief Minister, Mairembam Koireng Singh’s residence. This was just 100 meters from the Indian National Army (INA) Museum, an iconic site where the INA flag was first hoisted in 1944 by freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
The elderly victim, a man from the Meitei community, was performing religious rituals at the time of the explosion. Tragically, he was killed on the spot, with his body found near the items prepared for prayer. The scene was heart-wrenching, as witnesses described him in traditional white attire, drenched in blood. In addition to the man’s death, five others, including a 13-year-old girl, sustained injuries during the blast. The girl was rushed to the hospital, along with the others, for urgent medical attention.
Heightened Threats in Manipur: The rocket attack on September 6 was the second such incident in Bishnupur district that day. Earlier in the morning, rockets were fired from an elevated position in the nearby hills of Churachandpur district, a region predominantly inhabited by the Kuki tribes. The morning attacks did not result in any casualties, but two structures were damaged.
Authorities believe the rocket was fired from a hilltop location toward the valley. This ongoing violence has raised concerns among the residents, who live in constant fear of the next attack. The police also reported that insurgents fired multiple rounds toward Bishnupur, prompting security forces to retaliate.
The targeting of Moirang is significant due to its proximity to Loktak, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, and the historical INA Museum, which could have been the actual target of the attack.
Manipur School Closures: In response to the growing unrest, the Manipur government has taken swift action to protect its citizens, especially schoolchildren and teachers. In an official statement, the Directorate of Education (Schools) announced that all schools across the state would remain closed on September 7, 2024. This applies to government, private, and central schools, as the authorities seek to prevent any harm to students and teachers.
The decision to close schools comes amid widespread fear and uncertainty following the escalating violence between ethnic groups in the state. This closure serves as a precautionary measure while the situation remains volatile.
Public Emergency Declared: In addition to the school closures, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a group of valley-based civil organizations, has declared a “public emergency” across five districts in the Imphal Valley. This declaration came in light of the repeated bombings, drone strikes, and gunfire exchanged between militants and security forces. COCOMI has urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel in areas prone to attacks.
Drone Attacks and Rising Civilian Casualties: The use of drones in the ongoing violence has added a new layer of concern. Intelligence sources confirmed that weaponized drones were used in a deadly attack on Koutruk village on Sunday, September 1, 2024. Two civilians, including a 12-year-old girl, were killed, and nine others were injured in that attack.
The most recent drone attack occurred on Monday, September 2, 2024, in Senjam Chirang village, where a bomb dropped by a drone injured three people. The increased use of advanced weaponry, such as long-range sniper rifles and drones, indicates that insurgent groups are becoming more sophisticated in their tactics, making it even more difficult for security forces to maintain peace.
Ethnic Tensions Fueling Violence: Manipur, located in Northeast India, has been marred by ethnic violence since May 2023. The conflict is largely centred around two major ethnic groups: the Meitei, who primarily inhabit the valley, and the Kuki, who occupy the surrounding hills. The deep-rooted tensions between these groups have resulted in frequent clashes, leading to the deaths of over 200 people and leaving thousands injured.
While the government has been trying to mediate peace, the violence shows no signs of abating. Civilians are often caught in the crossfire, with both sides using rockets, firearms, and drones to attack each other’s territories.
Mass Protests: In response to the ongoing violence, thousands of people across five districts in the Imphal Valley have staged protests. Forming human chains, the protesters expressed their frustration with the government’s handling of the conflict. They demanded stronger action to protect civilians and restore peace in the region.
These protests, organized by COCOMI, have drawn massive participation, with markets shutting down and vehicles staying off the roads as a sign of solidarity. The demonstrators aim to pressure the authorities into taking swift and effective measures to prevent further loss of life and property.
Impact on Local Life: The conflict has had a devastating impact on daily life in Manipur. With continuous attacks, civilians live in fear, and normal activities have been disrupted. Markets, schools, and public services are frequently shut down due to the ongoing violence. Families in affected areas, such as Moirang and Bishnupur, have been displaced and are seeking shelter in safer locations.
Once a key contributor to Manipur’s economy, the tourism industry has also been severely affected. Sites like the INA Museum and Loktak Lake, which once attracted visitors, now stand as reminders of the current instability.
Conclusion: Manipur is grappling with a severe crisis as bomb attacks, drone strikes, and ethnic violence continue to escalate. The recent rocket attack in Moirang, which killed an elderly man and injured several others, highlights the urgent need for peace and security. With schools across the state closing on September 7, 2024, the government is prioritizing the safety of its citizens. However, much more needs to be done to resolve the underlying ethnic tensions and prevent further loss of life in this troubled state.
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