The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) from Ukhrul district has dismissed reports of a communal clash in Litan village, attributing the incident to a minor conflict among a few intoxicated individuals that was misrepresented, increasing community tensions. KSO vice president Mercy Khongsai stated that what started as a small altercation was incorrectly depicted as a larger communal issue, suggesting that certain individuals were trying to misconstrue the situation. Despite a meeting between representatives of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and the deputy Chief minister intended to address the issue, Khongsai lamented the failure to reach an understanding, noting that violent actions ensued post-meeting, including the burning of houses. Eyewitness Hegin Baite supported this view, explaining that the initial disturbance was manageable, but misinformation led to an escalation, including attacks on his home. The violence forced Baite’s family to flee at night, emphasizing that his community did not instigate the conflict. The incident underscores the delicate nature of relations in Manipur, where local disputes risk being misinterpreted along communal lines, hindering efforts toward peace and reconciliation.
Imphal