The volatile northeastern state of Manipur witnessed a fresh surge of violence early Saturday, resulting in the deaths of five people in Jiribam district. The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Kuki and Meitei groups continues to wreak havoc, with this latest incident further escalating tensions in the region. The state has been gripped by ethnic violence since May last year, with over 200 deaths and thousands displaced from their homes.
The Incident: Five Dead in Gunfire Exchange
In the early hours of Saturday morning, an isolated house located approximately 5 kilometers from the Jiribam district headquarters became the scene of a tragic killing. Militants reportedly entered the home of a man who lived alone and shot him dead while he was asleep. The identity of the victim has not yet been disclosed by authorities.
Following the killing, a heavy exchange of gunfire erupted between armed men from the warring Kuki and Meitei communities. The clash occurred in the hills roughly 7 kilometers from the district headquarters. The exchange of fire led to the deaths of four armed individuals, including three militants believed to be from the hills. These fatalities come amidst ongoing ethnic violence that has plagued Manipur for over a year.
Violence Escalates: Rocket Attacks in Bishnupur District
The incident in Jiribam follows a deadly attack just a day earlier in Bishnupur district, where suspected militants fired two rockets, killing one person and injuring five others. The rocket attacks, an unusual method of violence in Manipur, have heightened the already tense situation in the state. The first rocket struck Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district, while the second rocket fell on the compound of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng’s residence in Moirang town.
The rocket attacks claimed the life of a 72-year-old man, RK Rabei Singh, and left five others injured. This marked another significant escalation in the violence, as militants turned to high-tech weaponry to terrorize the population. In response, the Manipur government has announced the closure of schools on September 7, citing safety concerns due to the unrest caused by the bomb attacks.
The Rise of Drone Warfare in Manipur
Adding to the escalating violence, militants in Manipur have started using drones to drop bombs on civilians. This alarming development was first reported on September 1 in Koutruk village, located in Imphal West district. During this drone attack, which also involved the use of firearms, two people were killed and nine others were injured. A day later, another drone strike was reported in Senjam Chirang, a village just 3 kilometers away from Koutruk.
The use of drones as weapons marks a disturbing shift in the tactics employed by militants in Manipur. This previously unheard-of method of attack has further intensified fears among the local population, as residents now face the threat of aerial assaults in addition to ground-based violence.
High Alert: Security Forces Mobilized
In response to the growing violence, security forces in Manipur have been placed on high alert. A central security force official, speaking to PTI, confirmed that forces have been mobilized to key areas around the periphery of the valley districts. This includes regions bordering Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts, as well as areas along the Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts.
Authorities believe that the rockets used in the Bishnupur attack were locally improvised and fired from elevated positions in the Thangjing hill ranges of Churachandpur district. The unguided missiles targeted the low-lying town of Moirang, causing widespread panic and leading to the closure of markets and business establishments throughout the district.
The central and state governments have also ramped up efforts to restore peace in the region. However, the challenges posed by the use of drones and high-tech weapons have complicated security measures, requiring more sophisticated responses from law enforcement agencies.
Human Chains and Public Protests
As tensions continue to escalate, thousands of residents across five districts of the Imphal Valley have taken to the streets in protest. On Friday, large human chains were formed as a peaceful demonstration against the militant attacks. The protestors expressed their frustration and fear, calling on the government to take swift action to stop the violence and ensure the safety of civilians.
The ethnic violence in Manipur has its roots in long-standing tensions between the Kuki and Meitei communities. The conflict has led to large-scale displacement, with thousands of people forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Despite multiple efforts by the government to broker peace, the situation remains volatile, with periodic outbreaks of violence continuing to claim lives.
Impact on Education and Daily Life
The unrest in Manipur has had a significant impact on daily life in the state, particularly in the education sector. Following the recent attacks, the Manipur government ordered the closure of schools on September 7 to ensure the safety of students and staff. This decision reflects the growing concern over the escalation of violence, as both parents and educators fear for the well-being of children amidst the conflict.
The closure of schools is just one of the many disruptions caused by the ongoing ethnic violence. Markets and businesses have also been affected, with frequent closures in response to security threats. Residents of conflict-affected areas live in constant fear, with many unable to carry out their daily routines due to the unpredictable nature of the violence.
A Call for Peace
As Manipur continues to grapple with ethnic violence, the need for a sustainable resolution has never been more urgent. The latest bout of violence, marked by the deaths of five individuals in Jiribam and the rocket attacks in Bishnupur, underscores the severity of the situation. The use of drones and other high-tech weapons has introduced new challenges for security forces, further complicating efforts to restore peace.
The people of Manipur are calling for an end to the violence and a return to normalcy. The formation of human chains in the Imphal Valley serves as a powerful reminder of the desire for peace among the population. However, achieving lasting peace will require a concerted effort from both the government and community leaders to address the underlying issues driving the conflict.
Until then, the people of Manipur will continue to live in fear, as the threat of violence looms large over their lives.
