Man killed as violent community clashes erupt during a music concert in India

One person was killed and several others injured in clashes between two communities in Manipur's Thoubal district, police said on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Tension began on Sunday night when a group allegedly threw stones at a nearby ground in Khangabok village, about 25 km south of Imphal, where a concert was underway, leading to stone-throwing between members of two communities at Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham and the burning of some houses and vehicles.

The deceased, identified as Laishram Rakesh, was shot in the head when unidentified miscreants opened fire; he was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Several others were admitted with minor cut injuries after being hit by stones.

Additional state and central forces were rushed to the two villages, and police said the situation was under control on Monday morning.

The Thoubal district magistrate imposed prohibitory orders on Sunday night under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, restricting people from leaving their homes in the Khangabok and Sangaiyumpham areas from 11 p.m., citing the likelihood of breach of peace and imminent danger to human life and property. The order did not specify when the restriction would end.