Manipur: Two arrested after Thoubal clash leaves one dead, houses torched

Two people have been formally arrested in connection with a recent clash in Manipur’s Thoubal district that left one person dead and several houses set ablaze, police said on October 20.

Addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said a joint team comprising Thoubal Police, the Rapid Action Force (RAF), CoBRA and the Assam Rifles launched a combing operation in Sangaiyumpham and Cherapur areas on Tuesday morning.

During the operation, security personnel searched 146 houses and verified the identities of around 300 people. Four suspects were detained, of whom two were formally arrested in connection with the case, Lhatoo said.

A double-barrel gun was also seized and sent for forensic examination, he added.

The senior police officer appealed to the public to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands and avoid circulating unverified information or rumours on social media.

He also urged residents to cooperate with security forces and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the Central Control Room.

The clash reportedly broke out around 11.30 pm on Sunday in Khangabok village under Thoubal police station, following an alleged stone-pelting incident near a ground where a concert was being held.

The confrontation involved members of the Meitei and Meitei Pangal communities. Preliminary accounts suggest that a misunderstanding may have triggered the violence. One person was killed and several houses were reportedly set ablaze during the incident.

Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the clash.