World · South & Central Asia · 2 hrs ago
Manipur villages on alert after deadly clash between Hindu and Muslim residents
A man was killed after clashes between two villages in Thoubal district, Manipur, on October 18.
Khangabok is dominated by Meitei Hindus, while neighbouring Sangaiyumpham is home to Meitei Muslims, also known as Pangals.
The trouble began with stone-throwing after a football match and concert, and residents from both sides later set fire to homes and damaged property.
Police have arrested three people in connection with the violence, and the administration ordered licensed gun owners to hand in their weapons.
Security forces remain stationed between the villages, which have not agreed to a peace meeting, although their residents told the chief minister they would maintain peace.
The incident has raised concern about tensions spreading between Meitei Hindus and Pangals, against the backdrop of other conflicts in Manipur that have killed hundreds and displaced tens of thousands.
The chief minister said the administration would call a peace meeting soon, and officials are monitoring the situation.
A man was killed during clashes between residents of two villages in Thoubal district on October 18.
The violence began with stone-pelting and was followed by arson and property damage.
The Hindu-majority village of Khangabok and Muslim-majority Sangaiyumpham remain on high alert, with security forces stationed between them.
Police have arrested three people in connection with the violence and filed a first information report.
Manipur’s chief minister visited both villages and said the administration would call a peace meeting soon.
- Who
- Residents of Khangabok, a Meitei Hindu village, and Sangaiyumpham, a Meitei Muslim village, clashed; a 23-year-old man, Rakesh Laishram, was found dead.
- What
- Stone-pelting between residents was followed by arson and property damage, and a man was killed.
- When
- The violence began on the night of October 18. Laishram was found dead around midnight.
- Where
- Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham, in Thoubal district, Manipur.
- Why
- The immediate cause of the stone-pelting is not stated; both villages’ accounts diverge on what happened afterward.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Stone-pelting began at a playground where residents had gathered for a concert after a football match.
Rakesh Laishram, 23, was found dead.
Police filed a first information report and arrested three people in connection with the violence.
Chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited both villages and said the administration would call a peace meeting soon.
- District
- Thoubal
- Villages
- Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham
- Date of clashes
- October 18
- Person found dead
- Rakesh Laishram, 23
- Police action
- Three people arrested and a first information report filed
What people are saying
It is a localised conflict for now because other such Meitei and Pangal villages do not have this problem and have even come together in peace meetings.