'Rocket-propelled bomb' attack at Manipur's first CM's residence kills architect

Imphal: An 80-year-old Meitei man was killed and five other injured on Friday afternoon in a suspected rocket propelled bomb attack at the house of Manipur's first Chief Minister, M. Korieng Singh, at Moirang in Bishnupur district .

The incident occurred around 3 PM on Friday in Moirang, a town located about 42 kilometers from Imphal.

The rocket propelled bomb, believed to have been fired from the Churachandpur side, targeted the residence of Mairenbam Koireng, a prominent figure in Manipur's history.

The attack claimed the life of master architect of Manipuri ritual ceremonies, RK. Rabei, who was preparing for a ritual Asti ceremony at the time.

The statue of the first Chief Minister was completely destroyed in the blast. The injured were immediately taken to the Moirang health center, with three individuals reported to be in critical condition.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the attack, calling it a cowardly act. The attack has further exacerbated the ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in the state.