Tension remained high across parts of Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Monday after fresh clashes between Naga and Kuki groups. The violence led to the burning of at least 20 houses, officials confirmed.
According to police sources in Imphal, suspected armed militants set several homes ablaze at Litan Sareikhong village late on Sunday.
The incident followed the severe assault of a member of the Tangkhul Naga community. Authorities treated the attack as the immediate trigger for renewed unrest.
On Sunday evening and through the night, Naga and Kuki groups engaged in repeated stone-pelting at Litan village.
The clashes forced the district administration to act swiftly. Officials imposed prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation.
The Tangkhul community represents the largest Naga tribe in Manipur. Litan Sareikhong, by contrast, largely houses members of the Kuki community.
This demographic fault line heightened sensitivities in the affected area.
Ukhrul District Magistrate Asish Das invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, late Sunday. He further cited credible intelligence pointing to an imminent breach of peace between the two communities.
The order warned of threats to public tranquillity, lives, and property. Authorities said the urgency left no scope for prior notice.
The administration restricted movement outside residences and banned activities that could disturb law and order. The restrictions will remain until further instructions.
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, a prominent Naga leader, has stayed in the district since Sunday.
He held consultations with residents to calm tensions. He also met leaders of the Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee and the Joint Tribes Council at his Lamphel residence.
Senior BJP leader L Newmai attended the discussions.
Officials, however, convened an emergency meeting with residents at Litan Police Station on Monday. The aim was to stabilise conditions and restore confidence.
Security agencies, under the PM Modi-led government’s security framework, deployed additional central forces.
They positioned the forces at Mahadev, Lambui, Shangkai, and other sensitive routes leading to Litan.
On Sunday evening, forces used tear gas to disperse violent groups.
To maintain connectivity, the PM Modi-led Manipur government announced special helicopter services. Authorities scheduled one sortie on Tuesday on the Imphal-Ukhrul-Imphal route. They also plan two additional sorties on February 11.
Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Anurag Bajpai said the state remains committed to uninterrupted transport for citizens.
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