More homes burn in Ukhrul, Manipur, sparking further violence

Officials reported that armed miscreants allegedly set fire to more homes in Litan Sareikhong hamlet on Monday afternoon, sparking more unrest in Manipur’s Ukhrul district. Additionally, armed groups fired many rounds into the air near the hill community, forcing the locals to evacuate with their most important possessions to safer locations in the nearby Kangpokpi district.

After a member of the Tangkhul Naga community was allegedly attacked by seven to eight people at Litan village on Saturday night, the area saw its first outbreak of violence.According to the officials, the victim’s side and the Litan Sareikhong chief reached a mutually agreed-upon resolution through conventional channels, and a meeting is slated for Sunday.

The encounter, however, never happened.

Rather, they claimed that a group of people from the neighboring hamlet of Sikibung attacked the chief of Litan Sareikhong’s home.Additionally, it was stated that the villagers shot many rounds as they passed by the Litan police station. The authorities clamped prohibitory orders after two tribal groups threw stones at the village on Sunday night.

Several homes belonging to members of the Tangkhul Naga community were burned at Litan Sareikhong about midnight on Monday, allegedly by Kuki militants.According to officials, a few homes in the Kuki village were also set on fire in the vicinity.

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 gutted,” Konthoujam told reporters.

“As there are reports of continued violence, additional security forces have been sent,” Konthoujam added.

Earlier, a team led by deputy chief minster L Dikho, Tangkhul Naga civil bodies and Kuki MLA held a meeting at Litan.

“The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long along with Assam Rifles officers, Ukhrul MLA, state government officials and representatives from Kuki community” an official said.

He told reporters, “The meeting has been very fruitful and positive. Everyone wants peace. It is difficult to reach a conclusion immediately, but there is consensus that the violence should not continue.”

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh, in a social media post, appealed to all communities to exercise restraint and maintain peace.

“Visited RIMS Hospital this morning to meet those injured in the unfortunate Litan incident in Ukhrul District & assured all necessary medical support for their speedy recovery,” he said. “The incident, arising out of a misunderstanding, is now under control. I appeal to all communities to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law, and maintain peace and harmony,” the CM added.