Schools in the restive Indian state of Manipur were ordered shut from Saturday after a rocket attack by insurgents killed a civilian and wounded six others. This attack came days after insurgents used drones to drop explosives, marking a significant escalation in violence.
Fighting in Manipur, located in the northeast of India, has been ongoing for over a year between the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and the mainly Christian Kuki community. This conflict has led to deep ethnic divisions, splitting communities that previously coexisted.
A local government notice stated that all schools would be closed on Saturday, a day when classes are usually held, to ensure the “safety of the students and teachers.” The decision followed a rocket attack in the Bishnupur district, attributed to “Kuki militants” by local police.
According to a police statement, a 78-year-old man was killed, and six others were wounded in the barrage. Officers responding to the attack were fired upon by suspected Kuki militants but managed to repel the assault. The elderly man killed in the attack was reportedly in the residence of the late Mairenbam Koireng Singh, a former chief minister of Manipur, when the rocket struck.
Local media reports described the rockets as “improvised projectiles” made from “galvanized iron pipes attached to explosives.” This attack followed an incident earlier in the week where insurgents used drones to drop explosives, killing a 31-year-old woman and wounding six others. Police labeled this drone attack as an “unprecedented” and “significant escalation” of the violence in Manipur.
Longstanding tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities primarily revolve around competition for land and public jobs. Rights activists accuse local leaders of exacerbating ethnic divisions for political gain, further fueling the conflict.
The recent violence highlights the fragile security situation in Manipur. The use of rockets and drones indicates a worrying trend towards more sophisticated and deadly tactics by insurgents. This escalation has forced authorities to take drastic measures, such as closing schools, to protect civilians, especially vulnerable students and teachers.
The conflict in Manipur has its roots in historical grievances and socio-economic disparities. The Meitei community, which predominantly resides in the Imphal Valley, has long sought a greater share of the state’s resources and political power. In contrast, the Kuki community, primarily settled in the hill districts, feels marginalized and neglected by the state government. This competition for resources and political influence has led to periodic outbreaks of violence.
Efforts to resolve the conflict have so far been unsuccessful, with peace talks often stalling or breaking down. The state and central governments have deployed security forces to maintain order, but these measures have not been able to prevent sporadic attacks and continued unrest.
The closure of schools serves as a stark reminder of the impact of the conflict on everyday life in Manipur. Education, a fundamental right, is being disrupted by the ongoing violence, affecting the future of countless young students. The government’s decision to shut down schools underscores the severity of the situation and the need for urgent intervention to restore peace and normalcy.
As the conflict continues, the international community’s attention on Manipur’s plight remains limited. Human rights organizations and peace advocates urge for more concerted efforts to address the underlying issues driving the violence and to support initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue and reconciliation between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
In the meantime, the residents of Manipur continue to live under the shadow of violence, hoping for a resolution that will bring lasting peace to their troubled state.
