One person was killed and several injured in clashes in Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham, Thoubal district, prompting prohibitory orders and deployment of additional security forces.
Imphal, Oct. 19: One person was killed and several others injured after clashes broke out between two communities in Manipur’s Thoubal district on Sunday night, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders in Khangabok and neighbouring Sangaiyumpham.
Police said the violence began when a group of people allegedly pelted stones at a ground in Khangabok village, where a concert was underway. The confrontation escalated into stone-pelting between members of two communities in the two localities, followed by the burning of several houses and vehicles.
The deceased was identified as Laishram Rakesh, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head after unidentified persons opened fire. He was taken to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries, police said.
Several other people were admitted to hospital with minor injuries sustained during the stone-pelting, according to police reports.
The Thoubal district administration imposed prohibitory orders late Sunday night under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), directing residents of Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham not to leave their homes from 11 pm.
The order cited the likelihood of a breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquillity and imminent danger to human life and property. It did not specify when the restrictions would be lifted.
Additional state and central security forces were deployed in the affected areas to prevent further violence. Police said the situation was under control by Monday morning, although the restrictions were imposed to contain tensions and maintain public order.
The incident has renewed concerns over communal tensions in Manipur, where localised violence can quickly threaten civilian safety and damage homes and property. The immediate circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the identities of those responsible for the firing and arson remain subject to investigation.
