Imphal, February 10: A state of emergency has been declared in the Sharkaphung and Sikibung Kha village areas of Ukhrul district following a violent escalation between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. The emergency was announced by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) to prevent further violence and restore order after days of arson, property destruction, and displacement.
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| Security personnel patrol an area in Ukhrul district as houses burn following fresh violence. |
Local authorities said the unrest, which began as a localized altercation, spiralled into retaliatory attacks in the Litan Bazar area, where at least 25 houses and four government quarters were reportedly set ablaze. Hundreds of residents from both communities have been forced to flee to safer locations.
According to local reports, the violence was sparked by a drunken brawl on the evening of February 7 at Litan Sareikhong. A Tangkhul Naga man, identified as Sterling Shimray, was allegedly assaulted after switching on a torchlight, which a group reportedly claimed was being directed at their faces. Efforts at a customary settlement failed when a scheduled meeting did not take place, after which mobs allegedly targeted the residence of the Litan Sareikhong chief, triggering a cycle of retaliatory arson that continued through Monday night.
Citing threats to public safety and the risk of the conflict spreading, the Tangkhul Naga Long declared an emergency in the affected villages. In its statement, the apex body warned that any act worsening the situation or disturbing peace would be dealt with strictly under the emergency provisions until normalcy is restored, and called for full cooperation from village leaders and the public.
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister L Dikho, who has been camping in the troubled area since Sunday, said the state government, security forces, and civil society organisations are working together to defuse the situation. “We are identifying those involved in the firing and arson. There was initial confusion, but things are much clearer now,” Dikho told reporters, stressing that the incident should not be viewed as a broader communal conflict. He added that while sporadic firing was reported during high-level meetings on Monday, the situation is currently “cooling down.”
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To stabilise the region, the state government has imposed stringent measures, including a five-day suspension of mobile data, broadband, and VPN services across Ukhrul district starting February 10. Additional security forces- including columns of Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, and the 8 Bihar Regiment - have been deployed along Litan and adjoining routes, while a strict curfew remains in force in Litan village.
Authorities said joint control rooms have been activated and foot patrols intensified as investigations continue. The government has appealed for calm and cooperation from all sections to prevent further escalation and facilitate the return of displaced residents.
