Manipur violence: Rocket attacks escalate conflict, Chief Minister’s first house targeted | India News

On Friday, militants in Manipur launched rocket attacks on two separate locations, including the residence of Mairembam Koireng Singh, the state’s first chief minister. The incident occurred in Bishnupur district, killing one person and wounding five others, including a 13-year-old girl. It was the first known use of rockets in the 17-month-old conflict.

The attack occurred around 3.30 pm, when a rocket launched from an improvised device landed dangerously close to Singh’s house in Moirang town. Tragically, RK Rabei Singh, a 72-year-old Meitei man who was preparing for religious rituals, lost his life. The rocket landed just a few metres from the house, injuring several members of the former prime minister’s family.
Mairembam Koireng Singh, who died in 1994, served as chief minister of Manipur for three terms between 1963 and 1969.
Previous attack on Tronglaobi village

On the same day, militants fired rockets at two buildings in Tronglaobi village in the same district. Fortunately, no one was injured in the attack, which took place around 4 a.m. Security forces believe the rockets were fired from the nearby Kuki-held Churachandpur hills, about 5 km from the sites of the attack.

The use of improvised explosive rockets is a first in the conflict and marks a dangerous change in tactics by the militants. Security officials said the rockets were about one and a half metres long and were likely constructed from galvanised iron (GI) pipes packed with explosives. These improvised rockets were launched from a locally made launcher, indicating a growing sophistication of the conflict.

The use of drones and rockets raises concern

Manipur has been engulfed in ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities since May 2023, and the use of drones and rockets adds a new level of concern for security forces. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh condemned the use of drone-launched bombs, calling them “acts of terrorism.” Authorities are now working to eliminate the threat posed by these technologies.

In response to the escalating violence, a central committee comprising senior officials from the police, army and paramilitary forces has been formed to investigate the use of drone-launched bombs by militants. The committee is expected to submit its findings by September 13, examining how these drones are being used and how to counter them effectively.

Security is being strengthened in conflict zones

Following Friday’s attacks, security forces are on high alert. Troops are being deployed along the borders of Bishnupur and Churachandpur, as well as in areas near Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts. Central and state authorities are keen to prevent further escalation as militants continue to employ more dangerous tactics.

Authorities believe militants may have been practicing with these rocket launchers during a recent lull in violence, adjusting the volumes of explosives to increase the range of the projectiles.

Schools closed in Manipur amid rising violence

In response to the rising violence, the Manipur government has ordered all schools, both public and private, to remain closed. A notification said this decision was taken keeping in mind the safety of students and teachers, considering the volatile situation in the state.

Meitei group declares public emergency

Adding to the tensions, the Coordinating Committee for Integrity of Manipur (COCOMI), the apex body representing the Meitei community, declared a “public emergency” in five districts of the Imphal valley. The group expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s ability to protect civilians and called on people to take matters into their own hands to ensure their safety.