Ukhrul, February 12: Tension flared again in Litan on the fifth day since violence first broke out, as fresh incidents of arson were reported early Thursday morning. According to local sources, houses were set ablaze in Litan Sareikhong village from around 6:30 AM, with the destruction reportedly continuing for several hours.
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| Security forces deployed along a roadside in Litan amid ongoing tension and reports of fresh violence. |
The full extent of the damage remains unclear at this stage. However, more than 50 houses have already been reduced to ashes in Litan village in Ukhrul district following the escalation of violence between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities.
Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media show residential houses engulfed in flames near the Litan Police Station. Villagers attempting to reach and protect their properties were reportedly stopped, while security forces were seen preventing civilians at Mongkot Chepu village from entering Litan.
Several rounds of gunfire were also reportedly heard in the area, with sources indicating that shots were fired from both sides. Local residents have urged the security personnel deployed in the area to take swift action against those responsible and restore order at the earliest.
Large numbers of residents - mostly women, children, and the elderly have fled their homes, seeking shelter in neighbouring areas, including Kangpokpi district and safer localities in Ukhrul. Relief camps have been set up to accommodate displaced families.
Civil society organisations from both communities have appealed for restraint. The Eastern Kuki Chiefs Association (EKCA), Tangkhul Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Kamjong, and Kuki CSOs, Kamjong, said a joint meeting was held on February 11 at the DC Office, Kamjong. The meeting was chaired by Luckyson Ngamsha Kashung, Deputy Commissioner of Kamjong, and attended by Tholu Rocky, Superintendent of Police, Kamjong, and Vivek Tripathi, Commanding Officer of 11th Assam Rifles, among other dignitaries.
Leaders mutually agreed that incidents occurring in other districts should not affect Kamjong and appealed to the public to refrain from sharing or posting content related to Chassad and Kamjong areas on social media to prevent further tension.
Meanwhile, Kimneo Hangshing, MLA of Saikul, stated that she joined efforts alongside concerned leaders and stakeholders to promote dialogue and understanding in the wake of the “deeply unfortunate tensions” at Litan–Sareikhong. She also visited four relief camps in Lhungtin and Saikul with local CSOs, interacting with affected families and holding discussions aimed at working towards a peaceful resolution.
Officials said the unrest was triggered after a scuffle on February 7 between members of the two communities in Litan village, during which Sterling Shimray of Sakibung village sustained injuries. Anticipating further disturbance, District Magistrate Asish Das imposed prohibitory orders citing apprehension of breach of peace.
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The Manipur government subsequently ordered a five-day suspension of internet services, including mobile data, broadband, VPNs, and VSAT, across Ukhrul district to curb misinformation and prevent mobilisation. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have also been enforced district-wide.
Heavy deployment of security forces including the Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, RAF, and state police - has been made in and around Litan to enforce restrictions, patrol sensitive areas, and prevent further escalation.
Despite appeals for calm from government authorities and civil society groups, tension remains high as fresh reports of destruction and displacement continue to emerge.
