Ukhrul (Manipur): Several houses were set on fire in Manipur’s Ukhrul district amid rising tensions following the alleged assault of a member of the Tangkhul Naga community, officials said on Monday. The violence erupted in and around Litan village, where clashes between two tribal groups prompted the administration to impose prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation.
Officials said intense stone pelting broke out between members of the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities on Sunday evening at Litan village, forcing security forces to intervene. Around midnight, multiple houses belonging to Tangkhul Naga community members were allegedly torched at Litan Sareikhong, a Kuki village. In a retaliatory turn, a few houses belonging to the Kuki community were also reportedly set on fire in a nearby area. Authorities said the extent of damage is still being assessed and the situation remains tense.
Video clips circulating on social media allegedly show armed men torching houses and vehicles, while individuals in camouflage clothing are seen firing sophisticated weapons into the air. Officials said the authenticity of these videos could not be independently verified. Additional security forces have been deployed in Mahadev, Lambui, Shangkai, and other routes leading to Litan to maintain law and order and prevent the movement of suspicious persons.
Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh appealed for calm and restraint, urging all communities to maintain peace and harmony. In a social media post, he said he visited RIMS Hospital to meet those injured in the incident and assured them of all necessary medical assistance. The Chief Minister stated that the incident, which arose due to a misunderstanding, was now under control and emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law.
On Sunday evening, security personnel fired tear gas shells to disperse the two groups that were engaged in violent clashes at Litan Sareikhong village. In response to the deteriorating situation, the Ukhrul district administration issued prohibitory orders citing apprehension of a breach of peace and public tranquillity due to tensions between the two communities.
District Magistrate Asish Das, in an official notification, prohibited the movement of individuals outside their residences from 7 pm on Sunday until further orders. The restrictions, however, do not apply to government officials and security personnel performing official duties.
According to officials, the unrest began after a Tangkhul Naga community member was allegedly assaulted by a group of seven to eight people at Litan village on Saturday night. The issue was initially resolved through mutual understanding between the victim’s side and the village chief of Litan Sareikhong, with both parties agreeing to settle the matter through customary practices and holding a meeting on Sunday.
However, the scheduled meeting did not take place. Instead, officials said a group of villagers from nearby Sikibung allegedly attacked the residence of the Litan Sareikhong village chief. It was also reported that seven rounds were fired by the group while passing near the Litan police station, further heightening tensions in the area.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing and security arrangements remain in place to prevent further violence.
