Imphal, February 10: At least 50 houses were burnt down in Litan village of Ukhrul district following a fresh escalation of violence between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities, officials said on Tuesday. The worsening law-and-order situation has prompted the authorities to impose a five-day suspension of internet services across the district.
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| Smoke rises from Litan village in Ukhrul district after widespread arson during Tangkhul–Kuki clashes, with dozens of houses gutted in the violence. |
According to officials, tensions flared over the weekend after a scuffle broke out on Saturday between members of the two communities in Litan village, during which Sterling Shimray of Sakibung village sustained injuries. Anticipating unrest, District Magistrate Asish Das imposed prohibitory orders on Sunday, citing apprehension of a breach of peace and public tranquillity.
Despite the restrictions, unidentified miscreants torched more than 24 houses during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. By Tuesday morning, the number of houses destroyed had risen to around 50. Officials also confirmed a heavy exchange of fire between the two groups in and around Litan village, triggering panic among residents.
Violence reportedly continued into February 10, with fresh incidents of firing and arson in the morning hours. Large numbers of residents - mostly women, children, and the elderly - were forced to flee their homes, seeking shelter in neighbouring areas, including Kangpokpi district and safer localities in Ukhrul.
In response, the Manipur government ordered a five-day suspension of internet services, including mobile data, broadband, VPNs, and VSAT, across Ukhrul district to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent further mobilisation. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have also been imposed 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 restore order. Authorities said security presence has been intensified to prevent further escalation.
Adding to the tension, two Tangkhul Naga civil society organisations - Katho Long and Katho Katamnao Long - announced restrictions on the movement of Kuki people in Ukhrul and adjoining Kamjong districts. Meanwhile, community leaders and village authorities from both sides have appealed for calm, with some describing the initial incident as non-communal and urging against its escalation.
The latest violence marks a troubling new development in Manipur’s fragile ethnic landscape. While the state has witnessed prolonged Meitei–Kuki–Zo clashes since May 2023, the Tangkhul Nagas of Ukhrul had largely remained outside direct confrontation with Kukis until now. The current unrest has drawn sharp condemnations from both sides, accompanied by mutual of instigating violence and allegations of bias in the handling of the situation by security forces.
Authorities have urged the public to maintain restraint and cooperate with the administration as efforts continue to restore normalcy in the district.
