Clashes erupt in Manipur’s Bishnupur amid protest over bomb blast; prohibitory orders imposed

IMPHAL: Protesters clashed with security forces in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, leading authorities to impose prohibitory orders, officials said.The violence broke out in the Thingungei area on Tuesday as residents protested against a recent bomb blast in Tronglaobi that claimed the lives of two children. Tensions escalated following the spread of unverified reports about the movement of “suspicious persons” allegedly carrying arms, they added, according to news agency PTI.Clashes were reported from Thingungei and nearby Ningthoukhong, where security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.More than 10 people suffered minor injuries in the clashes, while at least one four-wheeler was set on fire by protesters, officials said.In a statement, police said a security team was stopped by locals around 1.30 pm near Thingungei after “mischievous and unverified rumours” circulated regarding the identity and purpose of the personnel."A mob gathered and stopped the vehicles of the security forces. The situation escalated when some members of the crowd turned violent, damaging and setting fire to vehicles associated with the security personnel. There were also attempts to detain personnel," the statement said.Additional forces were rushed to the spot, and the crowd was dispersed using “minimum necessary force”, including tear gas, to bring the situation under control, it added.Police said four people have been arrested in connection with the violence, and efforts are on to identify others involved in arson, unlawful assembly and obstruction of security forces.A flag march was also conducted in the area to maintain order, officials said.Authorities have urged the public not to spread rumours or misinformation and warned of strict action against those involved in violence or arson.Meanwhile, the district magistrate imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS from 5 pm until further orders, restricting the movement of people.