Manipur Violence Escalates: Houses Torched in Ukhrul Amid Tribal Tensions
In a disturbing escalation of violence, armed militants have allegedly set fire to multiple houses in Manipur's Ukhrul district, officials confirmed on Monday. The unrest stems from simmering tensions following the reported assault of a member of the Tangkhul Naga community, which has ignited fresh conflict between tribal groups in the region.
Violence Erupts in Litan Village
The situation deteriorated on Sunday evening when two tribal groups engaged in intense stone-pelting at Litan village in Ukhrul district. In response, the district administration swiftly imposed prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation and maintain public order.
Around midnight on Monday, the violence took a more destructive turn as several houses belonging to members of the Tangkhul Naga community were deliberately set ablaze at Litan Sareikhong. Officials stated that Kuki militants are suspected to be responsible for these attacks. In a retaliatory move, a few houses of Kuki community members were also torched in a nearby area, creating a cycle of violence that has left the region on edge.
Community Dynamics and Security Response
Tangkhul represents the largest Naga tribe in Manipur, while Litan Sareikhong is predominantly a Kuki village, highlighting the complex ethnic landscape fueling these conflicts. A district official told PTI, "The damages are being ascertained, and the situation remains tense."
Video footage circulating on social media shows armed men setting fire to houses and vehicles in the village, with militants wearing camouflage and firing sophisticated weapons into the air. While PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of these video clips, they underscore the severity of the situation.
To restore law and order, additional security personnel have been deployed at strategic locations including Mahadev, Lambui, and Shangkai, as well as in other areas leading to Litan. These measures aim to prevent the movement of suspicious persons and contain the violence.
Root Causes and Failed Resolution Attempts
The current wave of violence erupted after a member of the Tangkhul Naga community was allegedly assaulted by seven to eight persons at Litan village on Saturday night. Initially, officials reported that the matter had been settled between the victim's side and the chief of Litan Sareikhong, with both parties agreeing to resolve the issue through customary means. A meeting was scheduled for Sunday to formalize this resolution.
However, the meeting never took place. Instead, a group of villagers from nearby Sikibung allegedly attacked the residence of the chief of Litan Sareikhong. The villagers also reportedly fired seven rounds while passing through the vicinity of the Litan police station, further escalating tensions.
Administrative Measures and Ongoing Tensions
According to a notification issued by Ukhrul District Magistrate Asish Das, there was a clear apprehension of a breach of peace and tranquility in the village due to rising tensions between members of the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. In his order, Das prohibited the movement of any person outside their residence from 7 pm on Sunday until further notice. These restrictions do not apply to government officials and security personnel, who are working to stabilize the situation.
On Sunday evening, security forces were forced to fire tear gas shells to disperse the two tribal groups that clashed at Litan Sareikhong village. This intervention highlights the challenges faced by authorities in managing inter-community conflicts in the region.
The imposition of prohibitory orders and the deployment of additional security forces reflect the administration's efforts to prevent further violence. However, the underlying tensions between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities remain a significant concern, with the potential for future flare-ups if not addressed through dialogue and reconciliation.
