Thoubal: One person was killed and several others injured after clashes broke out between two communities in Manipur’s Thoubal district on Sunday night, police said on Monday. The violence also led to the burning of some houses and vehicles, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders in the affected areas.
The deceased was identified as Laishram Rakesh, who was shot in the head by unidentified miscreants, according to police. He was taken to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Additional state and central security forces were deployed in the affected villages. Police said the situation was under control on Monday morning, although restrictions remained in place to prevent further violence.
How Did The Clashes Begin In Thoubal?
According to police, tension escalated on Sunday night after a group of people allegedly pelted stones at a ground in Khangabok village, where a concert was taking place. The village falls under Thoubal police station and is located around 25 km south of Imphal.
The incident reportedly triggered exchanges of stone-pelting between members of two communities in Khangabok and nearby Sangaiyumpham. During the clashes, some houses and vehicles were set on fire.
Police said several people sustained minor injuries, including cuts caused by stones, and were admitted to hospital for treatment. The circumstances that led to the initial stone-pelting were not immediately clear.
Who Was Killed In The Manipur Violence?
Police identified the deceased as Laishram Rakesh. He sustained a gunshot wound to the head after unidentified individuals opened fire during the violence.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries. Police have not publicly established the identity of the person who fired the shot or the motive behind the shooting in the information available so far.
Several other people were injured during the clashes, primarily after being hit by stones. Further details about the total number of injured people were awaited.
Why Were Restrictions Imposed In Khangabok And Sangaiyumpham?
The Thoubal district administration imposed prohibitory orders on Sunday night, directing residents in Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham to remain indoors from 11 pm.
The order was issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which empowers authorities to issue temporary directions to prevent potential threats to public order, safety and tranquillity.
The district magistrate cited the likelihood of a breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquillity and danger to human life and property due to the alleged activities of antisocial elements.
The order did not specify when the restrictions would be lifted. Residents in the two affected areas were directed not to leave their homes as the administration sought to prevent further escalation.
Security Forces Deployed As Situation Comes Under Control
Additional state and central forces were rushed to Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham following the clashes. Police said the situation had come under control by Monday morning.
The violence has left one person dead, several others injured and property damaged in the two villages. Further details about the sequence of events, those responsible for the firing and the cause of the confrontation are awaited as the authorities continue to monitor the situation.
