Manipur violence: Schools to remain closed today, tomorrow
Schools in Manipur will be closed on Monday and Tuesday due to escalating violence in the N Biren Singh-led state. The unrest has intensified in Manipur after a missile attack on Saturday led to a death and three injuries. In response, the Directorate of Education has issued a notification announcing that all government, private, and central schools will be shut.
Why does this story matter?
Manipur has been engulfed in violence since May last year. Initially sparked by ethnic tensions between the majority Meiteis and tribal Kukis, the conflict has deepened into severe divisions within Manipuri society. The unrest has resulted in at least 230 deaths, displaced around 50,000 people, and led to armed militias patrolling the streets. The police are divided along community lines, and many residents are living in constant fear within segregated enclaves.
Public protests and increased attacks in Manipur
Since September 1, the conflict in the state has intensified, with militants adopting new technologies like drones and rockets alongside ongoing use of rifles and grenades. Last Sunday, a person was killed when militants used drones to drop explosives. Kuki militants have since deployed drones to target two additional locations, exacerbating security concerns and leading the Chief Minister to label these actions as "acts of terrorism."
Drone strikes and rocket attacks heighten fear
Saturday's violence marked the deadliest incident in the northeastern state this year, highlighting a significant escalation in ethnic tensions. Over the past six months, security forces in Manipur have downed at least 18 drones in the region. Until September 1, these drones were primarily used by militants for surveillance. However, recent events have seen a shift, with drones now being employed to drop explosives, further intensifying the conflict.
Public emergency declared amid escalating violence
Meanwhile, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a coalition of valley-based civil groups, has declared a "public emergency" across five districts of the Imphal Valley. They organized human chains to protest the attacks and criticized the government's handling of the situation, calling for public self-defense measures. In response to the recent violence and use of drones for bombings, security forces have increased their presence and are firing illumination rounds to manage the situation and monitor movements.
