On Friday, in response to growing unrest and violence, the Manipur administration ordered that all schools in the state close on September 7. All central, private, and government schools will continue to be closed in order to protect the teachers and kids, according to an order from the Directorate of Education.
The order reads, “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. 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.”
This choice was made at a time when the state is dealing with high levels of anxiety brought on by recent gun and drone strikes that have maimed and killed civilians. Following several attacks in the districts of Bishnupur and Imphal West, the unrest in Manipur intensified. A 13-year-old girl was among the five injured and an elderly man killed in a rocket attack in Moirang, Bishnupur district, on September 6, which was carried out by suspected militants.
The target of the rocket was the former chief minister Mairembam Koireng’s home compound, where the victim was getting ready for religious ceremonies. The tragedy happened only two km away from the old headquarters of the INA.
In Tronglaobi, militants carried out another attack earlier in the day that damaged local buildings but did not result in any injuries. Home areas in Bishnupur were the target of rockets fired from high places in the Churachandpur district, which led to a gunfight between militants and security personnel. Three family members were injured in a succession of drone strikes in Senjam Chirang village, causing the locals to evacuate their houses.
When explosives were dropped on Watham Gambhir’s property, a 65-year-old farmer, and his family were the intended targets. Gambhir told of the fear they felt as the drones pursued them, even as they hid behind a tree.