Schools to remain closed as tensions over drone attacks escalate in Manipur
The state government has become proactive to keep the pot boiling in Manipur, which is facing a series of attacks by drones. In an official order dated Monday, September 9, 2024, the Manipur Higher and Technical Education Department ordered all colleges and schools to keep their institutions closed till September 12. The call was given when officials were continuing with investigations of the drone bombing incidents and working toward restoring peace in the violence-hit state.
Schools and Colleges Shut Till September 12
The formal closure order was issued by Laishram Dolie Devi, Joint Secretary, Higher and Technical Education, and thereby, all Government, Aided and Private educational institutions within the state were informed. Closure has been caused over both September 11 and September 12, until then kept for the safety of the students along with the staff.
The government ordered a closure of schools and colleges in view of the escalating violence and security situation following recent drone attacks. They feel such a decision would avert any further incident and provide safety for the public in view of the growing unrest.
Rising Tensions in Kakching and Surrounding Areas
Tensions have mounted in Manipur, particularly in the Kakching district and surrounding areas of Sugnu, where joint security forces conducted flag marches in the early hours of Monday. The flag march was part of the government’s move to restore law and order in the violence-hit areas and bring normalcy to the state.
In view of the drone attacks, which created statewide panic, special securities have been deployed, flag marches are carried out. The authorities are on their toes so that no further escalation of violence continues; at least a couple of regiments like the Indian Army, Assam Rifles among other paramilitary forces are busy in maintaining the peace.
Internet Services Ban
Also, in a related development, the Manipur government, with effect from Tuesday, September 10, 2024, has imposed a ban on internet services across the state till September 15. Internet services have been cut off to avert the spread of false information and rumors that might provoke further violence and panic. Among them, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter were some popular names that were put in the dock for potentially hosting such misinformation that would escalate the situation.
Government officials, through this notice of ban, say that the ban is necessary to avoid inflammatory material content from spreading that may lead to more unrest. Authorities believe maintaining control over the flow of information will help stabilize the situation and reduce the chances of misinformation influencing public sentiment.
Investigation over Drone Bombing and Central Involvement
Continuing the investigation into the attacks by drones, the IG Police, Operations, IK Muviah of Manipur said the evidence collected during the probe is likely to be handed over to the national-level investigative agencies and Central Government could take over the case in order to ensure a free and fair investigation in the incidents of drone bombing.
“We are collecting various pieces of evidence,” said Inspector General Muviah. “Most likely we are going to hand over these kinds of important cases to the National Investigative Agencies so that they can be investigated at the highest level. We have recovered all the bomb fragments; they have been sent to the forensic lab so that chemicals which have been used can be detected.”
Since the attacks carried sensitive connotations with the use of drones, the involvement of the central agencies would provide scope for further investigation. Forensic analysis of the fragments would give important clues about the materials used which could help in identifying the perpetrators behind the attack.
Joint Operations by Security Forces
Massive joint operations have been carried out by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and other paramilitary forces across different districts in an effort to respond to the security concerns of Manipur. These involve the recovering of illegal arms and ammunitions conducted in the first week of September 2024, which have already yielded substantial results.
According to official reports, search and sanitization operations by security forces were carried out in the areas like Liklai, Mashemjang, P Geljang, Thoroilok, Gelmon, Molphai Tampak, Leisanbung, and Maulnghat under Churachandpur District. Recovery of arms, ammunitions, and warlike stores in large quantities became a reality with the efficiency of coordinated efforts in joint operations of different security forces.
The Army, Assam Rifles, and other paramilitary forces, including the BSF, CRPF, and Manipur Police, have also significantly contributed towards the cessation of this illegal flow and seizure of weaponry. This relentless security crackdown is thought to be a step toward re-establishing peace in the state and preventing further violence.
Conclusion
The situation remained grim in Manipur as the administration tried to restore normalcy after the recent drone attacks. This factor has prompted the state government to announce the closure of schools and colleges till September 12 as a precautionary measure for the safety of students against the increasing incidents of violence. Moreover, the internet ban and joint security operations are quite imperative in containing disinformation and addressing the threat from illegal arms.
While the National Investigative Agencies are expected to take over the case of drone bombing, people in Manipur are keeping their fingers crossed to expect that the imbroglio gets resolved without much delay and the State returns to normalcy. For the time being, maintenance of security and ensuring that the violence does not snowball remains the watchword.
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