Manipur violence: One killed, several injured in clashes in Thoubal district, curbs imposed

At least one person was killed and several others injured in clashes between two communities in Manipur's Thoubal district, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders in two affected areas, police said on Monday.

The violence broke out in Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham villages on Sunday night, leaving a few houses and vehicles burnt. Additional state and central forces were deployed in the two areas, and the situation was under control on Monday morning, police said.

Tension began when a group of people allegedly started throwing stones at a nearby ground in Khangabok village, under Thoubal police station and nearly 25 km south of Imphal, where a concert was underway on Sunday night, police said.

The incident escalated into stone-pelting between members of the two communities in Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham, followed by the burning of a few houses and vehicles.

One person, identified as Laishram Rakesh, was shot in the head when unidentified miscreants opened fire. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, police said.

Several others were admitted to hospital with minor cut injuries after being hit by stones.

The district magistrate imposed prohibitory orders on Sunday night, restricting people from leaving their homes in Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The order stated, "There is likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance of public tranquillity, and imminent danger to human life and properties...because of the unlawful activities of some antisocial elements."

The restrictions came into effect at 11 pm on Sunday. The order did not specify when the restrictions would end.

Section 163 of the BNSS empowers authorities to issue temporary orders to prevent urgent dangers or public nuisances.