Manipur clashes: One killed in Thoubal district as security forces restore order

Security forces brought Manipur's Thoubal district under firm control on Monday morning after overnight clashes between two communities left one person dead and several injured.

The prompt deployment of additional state police and central security forces prevented further escalation in Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham villages, where district authorities imposed movement restrictions to maintain public order.

The violence erupted late on Sunday evening during a concert at a venue in Khangabok village, located approximately 25 kilometres south of the state capital, Imphal. According to police, trouble started when an unidentified group began throwing stones towards the concert ground. The act triggered stone-pelting between members of two communities across Khangabok and adjacent Sangaiyumpham.

Amid the chaos, arsonists set fire to a small number of houses and vehicles in the affected areas.

During the unrest, unidentified assailants opened fire, striking local resident Laishram Rakesh in the head. Police confirmed he was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. Several other individuals received medical treatment for minor cut injuries sustained from stone-pelting.

Security forces reinforce stability across Thoubal

In response to the sudden disturbance, joint teams of Manipur Police and central security forces moved into Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham to restore peace. Police officials stated on Monday morning that the combined security presence contained the violence and stabilized the region without further incident.

To prevent any further breach of peace, the Thoubal District Magistrate issued prohibitory orders late on Sunday night under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. The order directed all residents in Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham to remain inside their homes from 11 pm onward.

The district magistrate stated that the measure was necessary to counter the unlawful activities of antisocial elements and protect human life and property from imminent danger. The order did not specify a deadline for lifting the restrictions, giving local administrators flexibility to review security conditions as stabilization efforts continue.

Authorities maintained active patrolling throughout Monday morning to ensure complete calm and uphold public safety across the district.