Imphal: Schools in Manipur will remain closed on September 7 amid escalating violence and unrest as a missile attack killed a person on Friday. The Directorate of Education issued an order stating that all government, private, and central schools will remain closed to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
“In view of the unrest and prevailing situation in the state and keeping in mind the saftey 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 read.
“All Zonal Education Officers under the Department of Education-Schools, Manipur are hereby directed to inform all concerned under their jurisdiction and take up necessary actions accordingly,” it added.
Missile Attack Kills 1
This decision comes as the state grapples with heightened tensions following recent drone and gun attacks that have claimed civilian lives and left several others injured. Unknown armed groups fired missile at the residence of late former Chief Minister M. Koireng on Sendra Road in Moirang, Manipur on Friday, resulting in one death and three injuries.
The deceased has been identified as 70-year-old Rk. Rabei of Moirang Pheewangbam Leikai. Rabei was reportedly preparing for the Asti ceremony at the ex-CM's residence when the missile attack occurred.
Three others sustained injuries during the attack, although their identities and conditions have not yet been disclosed. The armed group responsible for the missile strike remains unknown, and local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Drone Attacks Continue
On Thursday, PTI reported that a section of villagers of Senjam Chirang in Manipur were forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge in a nearby community hall after bombs dropped from a drone injured three members of a local resident's family two days ago.
The first bomb smashed through the roof of a 65-year-old farmer's house, injuring his daughter. Minutes later, another bomb fell from the sky and injured him and his son, PTI said.
Watham Gambhir said the explosive that broke the roof of his house was the second of the three bombs that were dropped from a drone on Monday evening in his house. The first one damaged his cowshed, which was empty, and the third explosive injured him and his son who took shelter under a tree after fleeing home in Imphal West district.
The use of the remote-controlled small flying device as a weapon was first noticed in Manipur on Sunday in Koutruk village in Imphal West district. In the attack in which guns were also used, two persons were killed and nine others were injured. Drones were employed again in Senjam Chirang, around 3 km away, the next day.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has described the dropping of bombs on the civilian population and security forces using drones as an act of terrorism. The state government has imposed restrictions on the import of drones or their components.
"We became concerned when we heard the buzzing sound of drones on Sunday. We also heard that bombs were dropped at Koutruk. Our village became the target the next day," said Gambhir.