Imphal: A suspected crude rocket attack by Kuki armed groups targeted the residence of late Ex-Chief Minister of Manipur, M. Koireng at Moirang Kumam, Sendra Road in Bishnupur District Friday afternoon.
The attack resulted in one fatality and at least five injuries. The deceased, 70-year-old RK. Rabei of Moirang Pheewangbam Leikai, was struck by the suspected local made crude rocket while preparing for an Asti ceremony at the residence. Injured individuals include 13-year-old Sherina Mairenbam, 51-year-old Konjenbam Jugendro, 58-year-old Rajeev alias Bobo, 40-year-old Salam Nanao and 62-year-old Ngangom Ibobi.
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Moirang MLA Th. Shanti and CAF & PD Minister L. Susindro have arrived at the scene to assess the situation. The attack has intensified concerns over the ongoing violence in the state. Further details awaited.
According to latest news reports in Imphal, Friday’s attack by Kuki armed groups is alleged of employing surface-to-surface missile for the first time in the fifteen months long Manipur conflict.
Suspected Kuki militants on September 1 had launched drone attacks in Koutruk, Imphal West area, resulting in the death of a 31-year-old woman and injuring ten others, including her 6-year-old daughter and a journalist from the Impact News.
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In response to escalating violence, the state government has announced that all Government instructions, aided colleges, private colleges shall remain closed on 7th September, 2025. “In view of the unrest and prevailing situation in the state and keeping in mind the safety of the students and teachers, all Government schools, Government Aided, Private and Central Schools of the state will stay closed on the 7th of September, 2024,” the order said.
Update from Manipur police
“Today (06.09.2024), Kuki militants have deployed long-range rockets among the civilian population in 02 (two) locations of Bishnupur District, in one of which one senior citizen civilian, RK Rabei (78) of Moirang Phiwangbam Leikai, expired and 06 (six) other civilians were injured in Moirang Khoiru Leikai, Bishnupur district. Police teams and additional security forces have been rushed in to conduct combing operations in the hill ranges adjoining the area. 02 (two) bunkers at Mualsang village and 01 (one) bunker at Laika Mualsau village of Churachandpur (03 bunkers in total) were destroyed. Further, Police teams of the Bishnupur District including the SP rushed to the area in which they were fired upon by suspected Kuki militants but the police team retaliated robustly and repelled the attack. Military chopper has been deployed to conduct aerial patrolling. Senior officers of the Police including IGP and DIGP are at the spot to take immediate counter measures and supervise the volatile situation. High level security meetings have been conducted to take stock of the law and order. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and the police are prepared to respond to any contingency that may arise.”