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Violence –  Fresh violence broke out in Manipur’s Ukhrul district late Monday night as armed individuals torched homes in Litan Sareikhong village, heightening tensions between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. Officials confirmed that properties belonging to members of both groups were set ablaze around midnight, leaving residents shaken and security forces on high alert.

Arson and Gunfire Reported Overnight

According to district authorities, the damage assessment is still underway. “The extent of losses is being examined, and the situation remains tense,” an official told PTI.

Videos that surfaced on social media appear to show armed men setting houses and vehicles on fire. Some individuals, dressed in camouflage, were also seen firing weapons into the air. Authorities have not yet verified the authenticity of all the clips but confirmed that incidents of arson and gunfire did occur.

Litan Sareikhong village has a predominantly Kuki population, while the wider Ukhrul district is largely inhabited by the Tangkhul Naga community, the largest Naga tribe in Manipur. The demographic composition of the area has contributed to heightened sensitivities during recent disputes.

Security Measures Strengthened

In response to the violence, additional security personnel have been deployed in Mahadev, Lambui, Shangkai, and other strategic locations leading to Litan. Officials said the reinforcement aims to maintain law and order and restrict the movement of suspicious individuals.

The fresh attacks occurred despite prohibitory orders already being in force across the district. The administration had imposed restrictions after clashes were reported between members of the two communities on Sunday evening.

Prohibitory Orders Remain in Effect

A notification issued by Ukhrul District Magistrate Asish Das cited concerns over a potential breakdown of peace due to escalating tensions between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki residents. The order prohibits movement outside homes from 7 pm on Sunday until further notice. However, government officials and security personnel have been exempted from the restrictions.

Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with security measures and refrain from spreading unverified information that could worsen the situation.

Dispute Traced to Alleged Assault

The unrest is believed to have stemmed from an alleged assault on a member of the Tangkhul community late Saturday night. Reports indicate that the individual was attacked by a group of Kuki-Zo tribals, sparking anger among Naga villagers in the surrounding areas.

Community members had reportedly sought accountability for the incident, demanding that those responsible face action. Efforts were initially made to defuse tensions through dialogue. The victim’s family and the chief of Litan Sareikhong are said to have agreed to resolve the matter through customary practices, with a meeting scheduled for Sunday.

However, the meeting did not take place. Instead, tensions escalated further when villagers from nearby Sikibung allegedly targeted the residence of the Litan Sareikhong chief. Reports also suggest that several rounds were fired near the Litan police station as individuals passed through the area.

Ongoing Efforts to Restore Calm

Security forces continue to patrol sensitive zones, and officials are closely monitoring developments. While no official confirmation of casualties has been released, authorities emphasized that preventing further escalation remains their priority.

Manipur has witnessed periodic ethnic tensions in recent years, and the latest developments in Ukhrul underscore the fragile nature of inter-community relations in certain districts. Local administrators are expected to engage with community leaders in the coming days in an effort to restore trust and prevent additional violence.