Ukhrul, February 8: Clashes broke out between members of the Tangkhul and Kuki communities in Ukhrul district on Sunday evening, February 8, prompting the district administration to impose prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation, officials said.
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| A screenshot from a video circulating on social media shows a building engulfed in flames during the unrest in Ukhrul district, as residents flee the scene amid heightened tensions |
According to officials, violence erupted at Litan village, where members of the two groups allegedly engaged in intense stone pelting. Security forces deployed to the area fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control. Several rounds of gunfire were also reportedly heard, triggering panic and heightening tension in the area.
Unverified reports and videos circulating on social media later in the evening claimed that houses were torched during the unrest. However, officials said it was not immediately clear which group was involved or how many structures were damaged, and these claims could not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.
In view of the deteriorating law-and-order situation, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders with immediate effect. An order issued by Asish Das, District Magistrate of Ukhrul, said there was a credible apprehension of breach of peace and public tranquillity at Litan village between the two communities.
“Whereas such disturbances could lead to serious breaches of peace and danger to public tranquillity, and pose risks to human lives and property, and whereas the current circumstances necessitate immediate action,” the order stated. Exercising powers under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, the District Magistrate prohibited the movement of any person outside their respective residences and banned activities that could disturb law and order in the scheduled area from 7 pm on February 8, 2026, until further orders. The restrictions do not apply to government officials and security personnel on duty.
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Officials said tension had been simmering in the area since Saturday night after a member of the Tangkhul community was allegedly assaulted by seven to eight persons at Litan village. The matter was initially addressed through discussions involving the victim’s family and the village chief of Litan Sarelkhong, with both sides agreeing to resolve the issue through customary practices. A meeting was scheduled for February 8.
However, the meeting reportedly did not take place as the victim’s family failed to attend. Subsequently, a group of villagers from nearby Saibung allegedly attacked the residence of the chief of Litan Sarelkhong. While retreating, the attackers allegedly fired seven rounds while passing through the vicinity of the Litan police station, officials said.
Security forces have since been deployed in and around Litan village to maintain law and order. Authorities said the situation remains tense but under close watch, and additional forces have been kept on standby to prevent further violence.
