Imphal: In a recent surge of violence against civilians, suspected Kuki militants launched a rocket projectile on Friday in Moirang, 45 km from here, resulting in the death of an elderly man and injuries to five others.
This attack follows a similar incident a few days ago, where militants used drones to drop bombs on Koutruk village, causing the death of a woman and injuring several others.
The victim, R.K. Rabei, an elderly man nearly 80 years old, was killed when the rocket hit his house at 3:20 pm on Friday while he was working for a ritual ceremony. Incidentally, the incident occurred at the residence of Mairembam Koireng Singh, the first chief minister of Manipur and a freedom fighter.
The five injured persons have been identified as Salam Nanao, 40, Sendar Road Moirang; Selena Mairembam, 13, Mairembam Leigoi Sendra road; Rajen (Bobo) Mairembam, 58, Mairembam Laigoi Sendra road; Konjengbam Jugendro, 52, Okshongbung Leikai Moirang, and Ngangom Ibobi, 65, Okshongbung Leikai, Moirang.
The injured have been taken to various hospitals, including the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS).
Meanwhile, Rabei’s body remains at Moirang Lamkhai, where local women have blocked the road, demanding a visit from the state Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, and a timeline for the conflict’s resolution.
In response, CAP&PD Minister L. Susindro Meitei, local MLA Th Shanti Singh, and senior police officials arrived at the scene to check on the injured. Firefighting efforts have been ongoing since Friday morning in the Torbung area of Bishnupur district, underscoring the region’s tense situation.
Earlier, a large and diverse group of protesters, including students, took to the streets, forming human chains to protest against the central government’s perceived neglect of the state’s residents and to demand strict action against the Kuki militants.
On the other hand, firefighting is continued at Torbung area in Bishnupur district. No report of casualty has been reported so far.
