26-year-old man killed amid chaos at musical event

Our Correspondent
THOUBAL, Oct 19: A 26-year-old man was killed and several houses, shops and vehicles were burnt at Khangabok Part-III Cherapur, Thoubal district last night, prompting the district administration to impose restrictions under BNSS 163 at Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham villages.
Laishram Rakesh (26) was attending a musical event when chaos erupted and a bullet hit him fatally.
Laishram Rakesh was the son of Laishram Gopen Singh of Khangabok Mayai Leikai Part-II. His mortal remains have been deposited at RIMS Morgue for postmortem.
While the exact cause of the incident couldn't be ascertained, information culled from the locals said the violent incident broke out during a musical event which was organised by the CYSA Khangabok in connection with a football final match.
Locals claimed stones were hurled towards the musical event venue from Sangaiyumpham side, and chaos soon broke out after stones started flying both sides and disrupted the event. Amid the chaos, shots were fired killing Rakesh.
Several vehicles, shops and sound systems at the venue were also damaged. Late into the night, some houses, shops and vehicles at Khangabok were burnt.
While security forces including personnel of the police, RAF and CRPF rushed to the area to control the violence, a mobile forensic unit collected evidence of the killing.
This morning, a public meeting was held at the Khangabok Mayai Leikai Loishang Community Hall and a Joint Action Committee against the brutal killing of Laishram Rakesh was formed. Members of the public, Khangabok Zilla Parishad Chairperson Khundrakpam Rajmohon, Khangabok Part-II Gram Panchayat Chairperson Saikhom Opendro Singh and VEDSCO Khangabok secretary Moirangthem Babutombi Singh attended the meeting.
Later, protesters blocked the National Highway and staged a protest demonstration in front of the office of the SP Thoubal.
The protesters demanded arrest of the perpetrators who killed Laishram Rakesh and attempted to trigger a communal clash. The perpetrators must be arrested within 24 hours, and the authorities concerned should recover weapons from Sangaiyumpham area to prevent further violence, the JAC has said in a memorandum submitted to the Thoubal district Deputy Commissioner Thoubal and Superintendent of Police.
The body of Laishram Rakesh will not be claimed until the demands are met, the JAC said, cautioning the Government of stringent agitation in case it fails to meet the demands.