Fresh violence in Ukhrul as more houses burn in Manipur
Fresh violence in Ukhrul as more houses burn in Manipur
Fresh violence erupts in Manipur's Ukhrul district as arson and gunfire drive residents to flee; authorities deploy central forces amid prohibitory orders.
Imphal, Fresh violence erupted in Ukhrul district's Litan Sareikhong village on Monday afternoon after armed miscreants allegedly set fire to several houses in the area. Armed groups also fired several rounds in the air in the vicinity of the hill village, forcing residents to flee with essential belongings to safer areas in neighbouring Kangpokpi district. Several Tangkhul villagers were also reported to have left the area. Violence first started in the area on Saturday night after a Tangkhul Naga community member was allegedly assaulted by seven to eight persons at Litan village. The matter was settled by the victim's side and the chief of Litan Sareikhong, and both parties mutually agreed to resolve the issue through customary means, with a meeting scheduled for Sunday, the officials said. However, the meeting did not take place. Instead, a group of villagers from nearby Sikibung allegedly launched an attack on the residence of the chief of Litan Sareikhong, they said. The villagers also reportedly fired several rounds while passing through the vicinity of Litan police station. On Sunday night, two tribal groups engaged in intense stone pelting at the village, prompting the administration to clamp prohibitory orders. Around midnight on Monday, several houses of Tangkhul Naga community members were set on fire at Litan Sareikhong, allegedly by Kuki militants. A few houses of those belonging to the Kuki community were also torched in a nearby area, officials said. Tangkhul is the largest Naga tribe in Manipur. Reacting to the developments, state minister Govindas Konthoujam said the situation on the ground remained tense. "The ground situation is very tense. Deputy Chief Minister L Dikho is at the spot interacting with villagers. A meeting was held and shortly after that, there were reports of more houses being burnt. Till 5 am today, 17 houses were burnt. Now, altogether 21 houses have been gut". The Ukhrul District Magistrate has requisitioned the services of the central armed forces to maintain law and order in the Litan area following tension between Naga and Kuki-Zo villagers over an assault case. The declaration of prohibitory orders and the deployment of central forces come as authorities try to prevent further clashes as investigations continue.
