Amid curfew being imposed in Ukhrul following clashes broke out between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities, two more houses were burnt down in Litan Sareikhong village prompting a gunfight in the area today morning.
Sources said the firing took place around 10 am when suspected Kuki militants armed with sophisticated weapons tried to enter an area where Tangkhul village volunteers were Manning. The gunfight reportedly lasted for nearly 30 minutes. However, no casualties on both sides were reported.
Meanwhile, Tangkhul Naga women attempted to storm the Litan Police Station, accusing the security forces of failing to contain the situation. Police resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.
Security forces have been put in high alert in vulnerable areas to thwart any unwanted incidents.
Notably, around 50 houses were burnt down in the same village 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 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.
