Around 50 houses were burnt down in Litan village in Ukhrul district on Tuesday in a fresh escalation of violence between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities, after which authorities suspended internet in the district for five days.
The tensions in the village began on Saturday when a scuffle took place in Litan village between a group from each community in which a man from Sakibung village, Sterling Shimray, was injured.
The matter was initially settled between the victim’s side and the Litan Sareikhong village chief, with an understanding that it would be resolved through customary practices.
However, a scheduled follow-up meeting on Sunday did not take place. District magistrate, Asish Das, had issued a prohibition order in the area on Sunday.
The order said, “As per report from reliable source there is an apprehension that could lead to breach of peace and public tranquillity at Litan village between the two community i.e. Tangkhul and Kuki.”
Defying the order, unidentified suspects torched more than 18 houses in the surrounding area during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, and the total number of burnt house has increased to around 50 till Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, a minor firing incident occurred in K Lungwiram village, Kangpokpi district, causing partial damage to a residential house. Security forces from the nearby area promptly reached the spot and brought the situation under control. The cause of the incident is under investigation, and the overall situation remains normal, officials said.
The Konsaram Village Authority (KVA) has condemned the incident and appealed to the State and Central governments to immediately deploy security, relief measures, and firm action to restore law and order.
“Rumours circulating on social media claiming that Konshakhul residents fled to Kanto Sabal, Imphal West district after the Litan incident are false. No villagers have moved out, except for a few students and families who have sought temporary rental accommodation due to the start of the new school session,” Manipur Police said in a statement, urging the pubic not to believe or spread false rumours.
Adequate security personnel have been deployed as efforts continue to prevent further violence and restore calm in the district.
