Imphal, 15 April

Protesters clashed with security forces in Manipur's Bishnupur district, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders in the district, officials have said.

The violence erupted in the Thingungei area on Tuesday as locals protested the recent bomb blast in Tronglaobi that killed two children. Tension escalated after unverified reports of the movement of "suspicious persons" allegedly carrying arms spread, they said.

Clashes broke out in Thingungei and nearby Ningthoukhong, with security forces firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

More than 10 people sustained minor injuries during the clashes, while at least one four-wheeler was set ablaze by protesters, officials said.

In a statement, police said a security team was obstructed by locals around 1.30pm near Thingungei following the spread of "mischievous and unverified rumours" 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 area, and the crowd was dispersed using "minimum necessary force", including tear gas, to restore law and order, it said.

Police said four persons have been arrested in connection with the violence, and efforts are underway to identify others involved in arson, unlawful assembly and obstruction of security forces.

A flag march was conducted in the area to maintain order, they said.

Authorities appealed to 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 5pm until further orders, restricting the movement of people.