One person died and several others were injured after clashes broke out during a musical programme at Khangabok in Thoubal district last night. Four houses and shops were reportedly set on fire, while a vehicle was also damaged in the violence.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 10.30 pm yesterday at the CYSA Playground in Cherapur, Khangabok Part-III, under Thoubal Police Station, during a musical programme organised by the Cherapur Young Sporting Association (CYSA) following the conclusion of the CYSA Trophy football final.
Reports said a large number of people had gathered to watch the programme, which was organised as entertainment following the football final. Tension reportedly escalated during the event, leading to clashes and stone-pelting. Women and children attending the programme, along with vendors, were caught in the disturbance and fled the area in confusion.
Several people, including artists and musicians performing at the programme, reportedly sustained injuries. One person died after being hit by a live bullet fired from among the pelting stone during the clashes, according to the reports. The violence also resulted in the burning of four houses in the vicinity.
The deceased was identified as Laishram Rakesh, 26, son of Gopen, a resident of Khangabok Mayai Leikai. He was initially taken to the District Hospital in Thoubal and later shifted to Raj Medicity for treatment. He subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
JAC gives 24-hour ultimatum
A Joint Action Committee (JAC) was formed at Khangabok Mayai Leikai on Sunday following the death of Laishram Rakesh, who was reportedly struck by a stone during clashes at a musical programme held at the CYSA Playground in Cherapur, Khangabok Part-III. The committee has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the authorities to arrest those responsible for his death.
A public meeting was held at the Khangabok Mayai Leikai Community Hall, attended by Khangabok Zilla Parishad member Kh. Rajmohon, Khangabok Part-II Gram Panchayat chairperson M. Opendro and VEDSCO secretary M. Babutombi, who took leading roles in the gathering.
The meeting condemned Rakesh’s death and formed the Joint Action Committee Against the Brutal Killing of Laishram Rakesh of Khangabok Mayai Leikai to pursue the demand for justice.
Announcing the resolutions adopted at the meeting, JAC convenor Laishram Kiran said the committee would press the authorities to take immediate action against those involved in the incident.
The JAC also demanded that the concerned authorities launch combing operations to seize illegal firearms reportedly possessed by people in the surrounding areas, with the stated aim of preventing similar incidents in the future.
The committee further resolved that those involved in Rakesh’s killing must be arrested within 24 hours and that the demand for justice would remain in force until the accused were apprehended.
After receiving information about the burning of houses, a team from the Thoubal Fire Service rushed to the scene. The fire engine reportedly came under stone-pelting, damaging the vehicle and injuring a firefighter. Despite the obstruction, fire service personnel reached the affected area and managed to bring the fires under control, preventing further damage to nearby properties.
District police commandos and additional security personnel were also deployed after the incident was reported. Police attempted to disperse the crowd and contain the clashes, resorting to tear gas as tensions continued.
The situation was brought under control at around 1.30 am, according to reports.
Following the incident, the Thoubal District Magistrate imposed restrictions on the assembly of more than five people in the affected area and tightened security measures to prevent further escalation.
A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory also visited the site to examine the scene. Inspector General of Police, Zone-I, Themthing Ngashangva, visited the affected area to assess the situation.