Tensions are running high in Manipur's Ukhrul district following an incident where armed militants allegedly set fire to several houses on Monday. The unrest was triggered by the alleged assault of a Tangkhul Naga community member by a group of individuals.

According to officials, the incident occurred in the Litan village area, where two tribal groups engaged in intense stone pelting on Sunday evening. This prompted the local administration to impose prohibitory orders in an attempt to control the escalating situation.

Around midnight on Monday, the situation worsened when several houses belonging to members of the Tangkhul Naga community were set ablaze in Litan Sareikhong. Authorities suspect the involvement of Kuki militants in the arson. In retaliation, a few houses belonging to the Kuki community were also torched in a nearby area. Tangkhul is the largest Naga tribe in Manipur, and Litan Sareikhong is identified as a Kuki village.

A district official stated that the extent of the damages is still being assessed, and the situation remains tense. Video footage circulating online reportedly depicts armed men involved in the violence.

The recent violence can be traced back to Saturday night when a Tangkhul Naga community member was allegedly assaulted by seven to eight individuals in Litan village. Initially, the matter seemed to be resolved amicably, with the victim's side and the chief of Litan Sareikhong agreeing to settle the issue through customary means. A meeting was scheduled for Sunday to facilitate this resolution.

However, the scheduled meeting did not take place. Instead, a group of villagers from the nearby Sikibung allegedly launched an attack on the residence of the chief of Litan Sareikhong. Reports indicate that the attackers also fired seven rounds while passing through the vicinity of Litan police station.

Manipur has been experiencing ongoing unrest between the Kuki and Meitei communities for several months. This持续 violence has resulted in numerous casualties and the displacement of thousands of people. These clashes have deepened existing divisions and strained inter-community relationships, posing a significant challenge to the region's social fabric.