Students Fired Upon After Board Exams in Manipur Hills, Security Failure Sparks Outrage

In a shocking incident, students of Blossom Hebron English School, located at Simol village under Bungpi block of Kangpokpi district, allegedly came under armed attack while returning from their examinations, barely a few hours after Mongkot Chepu attacked, raising serious concerns over the failure of security forces to protect civilians.

Class X students of Blossom Hebron English School from different villages were returning from Saikul hill town after completing their board examinations on Monday under the supervision of their warden when they were fired upon along the Tingpibung–Leplen road, reportedly from the opposite side of Sinakeithel village at around 11:40 AM on Tuesday.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

According to the students, they were travelling from Saikul to Simol when suspected Tangkhul militants opened fire along the Leplen–Tingpibung stretch. The incident allegedly occurred despite the presence of security personnel stationed at nearby Sinakeithel Tangkhul village.

The targeting of students has sparked alarm in the region, with residents terming it a grave breach of security and a direct threat to civilian lives. The proximity of the attack site to deployed forces has raised questions over the effectiveness and responsiveness of security arrangements.

“We had just finished our exams and were on our way home. We never imagined something like this would happen,” a student said, recounting the incident.

The student said the attack has left them shaken and raised concerns over the safety of daily travel routes.

“We thought the area was safe because security forces were nearby. But no one came. No one stopped it,” he said, questioning the effectiveness of the security presence.

“This incident exposes a serious lapse in ensuring public safety, especially for vulnerable groups like students. The presence of forces did not act as a deterrent,” he added.

The episode has drawn criticism over what locals described as a passive security posture, with questions being raised on how armed assailants could operate along a known route without interception despite deployment of forces.

The student further said that if security personnel are unable to ensure the safety of civilians, particularly children, their continued presence serves little purpose. “An ineffective presence only erodes public trust and creates a false sense of security,” he said.

The incident has heightened fear among residents and parents, with concerns growing over the safety of students commuting through vulnerable stretches.

“It makes us wonder—if even students are not safe, then who is?” the student said.

Calls have emerged for immediate corrective measures, including a review of security deployment, fixing accountability for lapses, and steps to ensure safe passage for civilians, especially school children.

The incident has once again underlined the need for proactive and effective security measures, with locals saying the failure to prevent such an attack has shaken confidence in the system meant to safeguard them.