IMPHAL, Oct 21: Manipur Police arrested two persons in connection with a case registered at Thoubal police station following a clash between members of the Meitei and Meitei Pangal communities in Khangabok village that left one person dead and several houses reportedly burnt.
The accused were identified as Md Khursid Ahamad, 19, son of Md Hassan, and Md Abdul Rahaman alias Apik, 45, son of late Md Abdulhei. Both are residents of Sangaiyumpham Cherapur in Thoubal district.
Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said at a press conference at Police Headquarters that a joint team comprising Thoubal Police, the Rapid Action Force (RAF), CoBRA and the Assam Rifles conducted a combing operation in the 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 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. Preliminary accounts suggested that a misunderstanding might have triggered the confrontation.
Police are investigating the circumstances leading to the violence.
Lhatoo 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.
