Thoubal, October 19, 2026: One person was killed and several others sustained injuries after violence broke out during a musical programme at Khangabok in Manipur’s Thoubal district on Sunday night. The incident also resulted in four houses and shops being set on fire, while a vehicle was reportedly damaged.
The clashes occurred at around 10:30 pm at the CYSA Playground in Cherapur, Khangabok Part-III, under Thoubal Police Station. The musical programme had been organised by the Cherapur Young Sporting Association (CYSA) following the conclusion of the CYSA Trophy football final.
According to reports, tension escalated during the programme, leading to stone-pelting and violent confrontations. A large number of people had gathered at the venue, including women, children, vendors and performers, many of whom were caught in the disturbance and fled in panic.
Several people, including artists and musicians participating in the programme, reportedly sustained injuries. The deceased was identified as Laishram Rakesh, 26, son of Gopen, a resident of Khangabok Mayai Leikai. He was initially taken to Thoubal District Hospital and later referred to Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Reports indicate that Rakesh sustained a fatal injury during the clashes, with accounts differing over whether he was struck by a stone or a bullet. The precise circumstances surrounding his death require official clarification.
Following reports of houses being set ablaze, personnel from the Thoubal Fire Service rushed to the scene. However, the fire engine reportedly came under stone-pelting, damaging the vehicle and injuring a firefighter. Despite the obstruction, fire service personnel managed to reach the affected locations and bring the fires under control.
Police commandos and additional security personnel were deployed to contain the violence. Security forces attempted to disperse the crowd, including through the use of tear gas, as tensions continued in the affected areas. The situation was reportedly brought under control around 1:30 am.
In response to the deteriorating law-and-order situation, the Thoubal District Magistrate imposed prohibitory restrictions in the affected areas, limiting the movement and assembly of residents to prevent further escalation. A forensic team also visited the scene to examine evidence, while Inspector General of Police, Zone-I, Themthing Ngashangva, visited the area to assess the situation.
Joint Action Committee Demands Arrests Within 24 Hours
The death of Laishram Rakesh triggered widespread anger among residents of Khangabok Mayai Leikai. A Joint Action Committee (JAC) was subsequently formed to seek justice for the deceased and demand immediate action against those responsible.
At a public meeting held at the Khangabok Mayai Leikai Community Hall, attended by local representatives and members of civil society, the gathering condemned the incident and called for accountability.
JAC convenor Laishram Kiran said the committee had issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the authorities to arrest those responsible for Rakesh’s death.
The committee also demanded combing operations to recover illegal firearms reportedly possessed by individuals in the surrounding areas, stating that decisive action was necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The JAC resolved to continue pressing for justice until the accused were apprehended, urging the authorities to act swiftly and ensure the safety of residents.
The incident has heightened concerns over public safety and communal tensions in Thoubal district, with residents calling for stronger security measures, accountability and urgent steps to restore lasting peace.