On September 7, 2024, all schools in Manipur will remain closed due to a significant escalation in violence involving drones and rockets. The decision comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and teachers amid a surge in attacks that have left several people dead and injured. This new wave of violence is straining the state’s already fragile peace and raising serious concerns about security and public safety.
Rising Tensions and School Closures
The Manipur government has issued an order for the closure of all educational institutions across the state on September 7. This directive, which applies to government, private, and central schools, was issued by the Directorate of Education in response to the recent uptick in violent incidents. The safety of students and teachers was cited as the primary reason for the closure.
The directive highlights the seriousness of the situation, which has seen a dangerous new dimension with the use of drones and rockets in attacks. The Directorate of Education emphasized that this precautionary measure aims to protect the school community amid ongoing unrest.
What's going on in #Manipur
— Abiema Lisham (@AbiemaLisham) September 6, 2024
A missile attack on #Manipur 's former CM Koireng's Home in Moirang by #KukiMilitant !
The strike resulted in the death of an innocent #Meitei civilian injuring several others.
This #KukiMilitant violence against civilians must end! pic.twitter.com/eVQUYCDZew
Drone and Rocket Attacks Escalate
The escalation of violence in Manipur has seen a disturbing shift with the introduction of drones and rockets in recent attacks. The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has intensified, with militants utilizing these advanced technologies to inflict harm on civilians and property.
On September 6, 2024, a rocket attack targeted the residence of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng Singh in Moirang, Bishnupur district. The attack, which occurred near the Indian National Army (INA) Museum, resulted in the death of an elderly man and injuries to five others, including a 13-year-old girl. The rocket struck as the elderly man was preparing for religious rituals, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
Earlier in the day, another attack in Tronglaobi caused damage to local structures but did not result in casualties. However, rockets fired from elevated positions in Churachandpur district led to a gunfight between militants and security forces in Bishnupur, further exacerbating the situation.
In Senjam Chirang village, a series of drone strikes injured three family members, forcing residents to flee their homes. The drones, which dropped explosives on the property of a 65-year-old farmer, have introduced a new and alarming method of attack in the region.
Government and Security Response
The recent use of drones for bombings has drawn sharp condemnation from Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who labeled the attacks as acts of terrorism. In response, Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba has formed a high-level committee to investigate the use of drones by militants. This committee, consisting of senior police and military officials, will explore the origins of the drones and their modifications for use in attacks.
The committee’s investigation aims to uncover whether the drones were imported or locally modified and how they were utilized in such precise and deadly strikes. This investigation is crucial for understanding the technological advancements used in the conflict and developing countermeasures.
Continued Violence and Impact on Civilians
The violence in Manipur has not been limited to drone and rocket attacks. On September 1, 2024, Koutruk village experienced similar assaults, resulting in two deaths and nine injuries. The use of weaponized drones and improvised rockets has intensified the suffering of civilians, who have increasingly become targets in this protracted conflict.
In recent days, incidents have included attacks on residential areas, with improvised rockets causing significant damage and casualties. The pattern of these attacks suggests a strategic shift towards more sophisticated and high-impact methods of violence.
Calls for Emergency and Public Safety
In light of the ongoing violence, the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has declared an indefinite “public emergency.” This emergency declaration urges residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The committee’s spokesperson cited the need for heightened safety measures due to the continuous attacks by Kuki militants.
The emergency measures are intended to provide some level of protection to the civilian population and to facilitate a coordinated response to the escalating violence. The safety of residents remains a primary concern as the situation develops.
The closure of schools and the declaration of a public emergency underscore the gravity of the situation in Manipur. The introduction of drones and rockets into the conflict has raised new challenges for both security forces and the local population. As investigations continue and emergency measures are implemented, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of civilians and restoring stability to the region. The international community and local authorities will need to work together to address the underlying issues fueling the violence and to provide support to affected communities.
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