A rocket attack at the residence of the late Mairenbam Koireng, former Chief Minister of Manipur, resulted in the death of an elderly man and injuries to five others on Friday. The incident occurred in Moirang Mairenbam Leikai at approximately 3:30 pm on Friday, as Koireng’s family was preparing for a ceremony, Indian Express reported.
Eyewitness Mairenbam Kelvin reported that the rocket struck the wall of the house and exploded, killing RK Rabei Singh instantly. “It happened so fast. We heard a scream before the explosion. When we realized there was an explosion, we found Rabei lying on the floor covered with blood,” Kelvin was quoted by IE. The police later recovered remnants of the rocket, including the intact tail portion, from the site.
The injured individuals were transported to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Imphal for treatment. Earlier on Friday, a similar rocket attack occurred in Tronglaobi within the same district. This attack, which took place around 4:30 am, resulted in the destruction of two structures. Police reported that the rockets were fired from elevated positions in Churachandpur district, targeting the low-lying residential area of Tronglaobi. Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority area, borders Bishnupur district, which is predominantly Meitei, and has been a site of ongoing tension between the two communities.
Friday’s attacks followed a series of drone bombings in the valley. On September 1, a drone attack in Imphal West district, carried out by suspected Kuki insurgents, resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to ten others, including a 12-year-old girl.
In response to the escalating violence, the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei organization, has declared an indefinite “public emergency,” urging residents to stay indoors. A COCOMI spokesperson stated that the emergency is for the safety of individuals “whose lives are under constant threat” and will remain in effect until the situation improves.
Additionally, the education department has ordered the closure of all educational institutions in the area on Saturday as a precautionary measure.