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IMPHAL — An explosion from a suspected locally made rocket-propelled bomb killed an elderly man and wounded five others, including a 13-year-old girl, in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Friday, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The blast occurred around 3 pm in Moirang, a town approximately 45 kilometres south of Imphal. The bomb is believed to have been fired from a nearby hill range, striking the compound of former Chief Minister Mairembam Koireng’s residence, located near the Indian National Army Museum.
The deceased, identified as RK Rabei Singh, was reportedly an event arranger. Authorities said he died instantly when struck by shrapnel. The injured individuals were initially taken to a local healthcare facility and later transported to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Imphal for further treatment.
State police had not yet issued a formal statement on the incident at the time of reporting. However, Manipur's Public Health and Engineering Minister L Susindro, along with local MLA Thongam Shanti, visited the explosion site.
This marks the second such attack in Bishnupur district this week. Early Wednesday morning, a similar explosion damaged a toilet and a community hall wall in Tronglaobi village.
The incident follows a series of escalating attacks in the region. On Sep. 1, a drone-aided attack in Koutruk village, Imphal West District, killed a woman and injured several others, including police officers. Another drone-related attack on Sep. 2 in Imphal West injured three civilians.
In response to the ongoing unrest, the Directorate of Education (Schools) announced the closure of all government, government-aided, private, and central schools in Manipur on Saturday, Sept. 7, citing safety concerns for students and teachers.
“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”, stated the order issued by Director L Nandakumar.