COCOMI Declares Indefinite Public Emergency After Kuki Militants’ Deadly Rocket Attacks in Manipur

Following Friday’s attacks by Kuki militants in Bishnupur district, which resulted in one death and six injuries, Khuraijam Athouba, spokesperson for the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), reported a surge in Kuki aggression and declared an indefinite public emergency.

The Manipur Police reported that Kuki militants used long-range rockets in attacks on two locations within Bishnupur district. Athouba noted that the recent increase in Kuki aggression is significant, highlighting recent drone bombings in Imphal West that resulted in multiple casualties. He described Friday’s missile attacks as among the deadliest yet, launched from approximately 7 kilometers away by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist groups hiding in nearby hills.

A Mobile Forensic Unit has collected evidence of a rocket shell from one of the attacks, which targeted the residence of Mairembam Koireng Singh, the first Chief Minister of Manipur. The attack caused damage to both the residence and the statue of Koireng Singh.

“This escalation of Kuki aggression is unprecedented,” Athouba said. “The missiles used in today’s attacks traveled from the hills, indicating a high level of sophistication. The central forces deployed in the foothill areas are currently unable to effectively counter these threats.”

In response to the escalating violence, COCOMI has declared an indefinite public emergency, urging residents to seek shelter and avoid leaving their homes. “Given the current level of insecurity, we have declared an indefinite public emergency,” Athouba stated. “We advise all residents to remain indoors, only leaving for essential services and taking refuge in safe shelters until the situation stabilizes.”

Earlier reports from Manipur Police confirmed that Kuki militants deployed long-range rockets, resulting in the death of a 78-year-old man, RK Rabei, and injuring six others.