7-9-2024 (NEW DELHI) The volatile Indian state of Manipur has been plunged into further turmoil following a deadly rocket attack by insurgents, prompting authorities to order the closure of all schools in a bid to safeguard students and teachers.
The attack, which occurred on 6 September in Bishnupur district, resulted in the death of a 78-year-old civilian and left six others wounded. Local police attributed the assault to “Kuki militants”, highlighting the ongoing ethnic tensions that have gripped the region for over a year.
In response to the escalating violence, the local government issued a notice mandating the closure of all educational institutions on 7 September, a day when classes are typically held. The decision underscores the gravity of the security situation and the authorities’ concern for the safety of the younger population.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community. This ethnic divide has torn apart previously integrated communities, creating a stark line of separation along religious and cultural boundaries.
According to police reports, the insurgents launched a barrage of rockets, one of which struck the residence of the late Mairenbam Koireng Singh, a former chief minister of Manipur. The attack not only claimed the life of an elderly man but also prompted a robust response from law enforcement. Police officers responding to the scene reportedly faced gunfire from suspected Kuki militants but managed to repel the assault.
Local media sources, citing an unnamed security official, described the weapons used as “improvised projectiles” crafted from “galvanised iron pipes attached to explosives”. This makeshift nature of the armaments points to the resourcefulness of the insurgent groups and the challenges faced by security forces in countering such unconventional threats.
The rocket attack follows a recent drone strike by insurgents, which police described as a “significant escalation” and an “unprecedented attack”. That incident resulted in the death of a 31-year-old woman and injuries to six others, further heightening tensions in the already volatile region.
The roots of the conflict in Manipur run deep, with longstanding tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities centred around competition for land and public sector jobs. Human rights activists have accused local political leaders of exacerbating these ethnic divisions for political gain, further complicating efforts to restore peace and stability.
