Manipur violence: Schools shut today and tomorrow amid renewed violence

Schools in Manipur will remain shut on September 9 and 10 amid escalating violence and unrest in the state government by Chief Minister N Biren Singh-led BJP government. Schools were shut in the state on Saturday too.

The directive, issued by the Director of School Education, instructs zonal education officers to notify the relevant authorities and implement necessary measures.

“In continuation of this office order of even number dated the 6th September 2024, all schools of the state, government, government aided, private and central schools, will stay closed on September 9 and September 10, 2024,” reads the notice

Last week, fresh violence erupted in the state resulting in the death of six people in state’s Jiribam district. Suspected Kuki insurgents targetted Nungchappi village, located 229 km from state capital Imphal, resulting in the death of 63-year-old Yurembam Kulendra Singha. The attack followed a rocket-propelled bomb assault in Moirang town.

Also, five fatalities occurred during a clash between armed factions of the Meitei community and Kuki tribes, who identify themselves as “village defence volunteers”.

“All Zonal Education Officers under the Department of Education-Schools, Manipur are hereby directed to inform all concerned under your jurisdiction and take up necessary actions accordingly. This is issued with the approval of the Government,” the notice added.

Amid safety concerns of school students and teachers, the state government announced a closure of schools on September 7 to ensure the safety of students and teachers. Since May last year, over 200 individuals have lost their lives while thousands were rendered homeless following ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups.

As the state grapples with heightened tensions, the terror attack has added to the woes of the residents. Unknown armed groups reportedly conspired the recent drone and gun attacks. A missile was fired at the residence of late former Chief Minister M Koireng on Sendra Road in Manipur's Moirang on September 6.

The deceased identified as Rk. Rabei was reportedly preparing for the Asti ceremony at the ex-CM's residence when the missile attack occurred. The 70-year-old victim was a resident of Moirang Pheewangbam Leikai.

On Sunday night, protestors staged a rally against recent drone attacks in Manipur and marched close to the Raj Bhavan and the CM’s bungalow in Imphal, reported PTI. To disperse the agitators, security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells. The rally involved thousands of protestors who marched over 3 km along the Tiddim Road and moved towards the high-security zone before being ultimately stopped by the police.

(With agency inputs)