Imphal, Oct 19: A 24-year-old man was killed and several others injured in a clash between members of the Meitei and Meitei Pangal communities in Manipur’s Thoubal district, with houses also set ablaze, officials said.
The deceased was identified as Laishram Rakesh. The fatality was reportedly caused by pellet gun firing, though the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity of the alleged shooter were not immediately known.
The clash, reportedly triggered by a misunderstanding during a musical concert, prompted the district administration to impose prohibitory orders in the revenue village areas of Sangaipumpham and Khangabok to prevent further violence.
District Magistrate Yumnam Robita issued the order on October 18 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing the likelihood of a breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquillity and danger to human life and property.
The order barred residents from moving outside their respective homes from 11 pm on October 18 until further orders.
Security personnel have been heavily deployed in and around the affected areas to contain the situation and prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) was constituted at a public meeting at Khangabok Loisang Keithel on Monday. Participants demanded that the person allegedly responsible for the pellet gun firing be arrested within 24 hours.
Placards calling for peace and reconciliation were displayed at the meeting. A public rally is also planned at the venue to press for the arrest and promote harmonious coexistence between the two communities.
Community leaders and the CDOs of both communities appealed for calm and urged people to exercise restraint amid the tense situation.
The Manipur Meitei-Pangal Welfare Organisation (MMWO) strongly condemned the incident and appealed to the public not to spread rumours or post hateful or profane content on social media.
The organisation also urged the state government to take the initiative to restore peace and foster mutual understanding and goodwill between the two communities.
The situation remained tense, with security personnel deployed to maintain order.