Tensions are high in Manipur's Ukhrul district following clashes between tribal groups, resulting in houses being torched. The violence erupted after a Tangkhul Naga community member was allegedly assaulted, leading to retaliatory actions and escalating tensions between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities.
The initial incident, the alleged assault of a Tangkhul Naga community member, occurred on Saturday night in Litan village. While the matter was initially addressed by the victim's side and the chief of Litan Sareikhong, with an agreement to resolve the issue through customary means, the meeting scheduled for Sunday did not take place. Instead, a group of villagers from nearby Sikibung allegedly attacked the residence of the chief of Litan Sareikhong.
On Sunday evening, the situation escalated as the two tribal groups engaged in intense stone pelting at Litan village. Security forces responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the groups. There were also reports of gunfire in the area, further heightening the tension.
Around midnight on Monday, several houses belonging to Tangkhul Naga community members were allegedly set on fire by Kuki militants in Litan Sareikhong. Some houses belonging to members of the Kuki community were also torched in a nearby area. According to officials, at least 20 houses belonging to members of the Naga and Kuki tribal communities were burned.
In response to the escalating violence, the Ukhrul district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The order prohibits the movement of any person outside their residence and any activity that may disturb law and order in the affected area from 7:00 PM on Sunday until further notice. Essential services and security personnel are exempt from the order.
Additional central forces have been deployed to vulnerable areas, including Mahadev, Lambui, and Shangkai, to prevent further escalation and maintain law and order. The Manipur government has also scheduled a special helicopter service on Tuesday for the Imphal-Ukhrul-Imphal route to facilitate transportation.
Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh has appealed to all communities to exercise restraint and maintain peace. He also visited the injured at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Hospital, assuring them of necessary medical assistance.
The situation remains tense as authorities investigate the damages and work to prevent further violence between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. The district administration is working to ascertain the extent of the damages.