On Friday, September 6, a rocket attack in Moirang, a town in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, tragically claimed the life of an elderly man and injured five others, including a 13-year-old girl. The rocket struck near the residence of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng Singh, located about 100 meters from the Indian National Army (INA) Museum. The man, who was offering prayers at the time, died instantly from shrapnel injuries. This attack is part of a series of violent incidents that have recently plagued the region.
Security Concerns And School Closures
The attack in Moirang occurred just a few hours after another rocket attack in the nearby Churachandpur district, which caused damage but no casualties. In response to the escalating violence, the Manipur government has decided to close all schools on September 7 to ensure the safety of students and teachers. This decision reflects the serious nature of the ongoing security situation, which has seen an increase in both drone and rocket attacks in recent days.
Increased Violence And New Tactics
Friday’s incident follows a series of attacks in the region. Earlier this week, two people were killed and nine others injured in a drone and gun attack by suspected Kuki insurgents. The use of drones to drop bombs on civilians marks a troubling development in the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The recent attacks have intensified concerns about the evolving tactics used by militants, including the use of high-tech drones and long-range weapons.
Community Response And Government Action
In response to the recent violence, residents across five districts of Imphal Valley have organized protests, forming human chains to express their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the situation. Major markets were closed, and vehicles were off the roads during the protest. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a coalition of valley-based civil groups, has declared a “public emergency” in the affected areas.
CM Biren Singh Condemns Attacks
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has condemned the use of drones in these attacks, calling them acts of terrorism. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the use of drones and other advanced weaponry by militants. The committee, led by senior officials from the police and military, aims to understand the origins of these technologies and their modifications for militant use. Moreover, both local residents and authorities are grappling with the increased frequency and severity of attacks, highlighting the urgent need for effective security measures and conflict resolution in Manipur.