Violence erupts again in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, Tangkhul Naga and Kuki clash

Tension has returned to Manipur with fresh violence reported from Litan, a commercial town in Ukhrul district, following clashes between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities.

While the situation remains uneasy, residents and officials said it is currently calm after the heavy deployment of security forces.

Evacuation is underway in Litan and the nearby village of Mangkot.

Police said clashes late Sunday night led to the burning of at least 25 houses and four government quarters. Two of the damaged houses reportedly belonged to members of the Kuki community. The violence broke out between 11:30 pm and midnight in Litan Bazar, during which automatic gunshots and rifle fire were heard, triggering widespread panic.

Fearing further escalation, residents began fleeing the area with family members, using pickup trucks, private vehicles, and travelling on foot while carrying essential belongings. Personnel from the Litan police station facilitated evacuation and worked to maintain law and order.

Security in the area has been significantly reinforced, with deployments from the BSF, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, along with additional forces. The Ukhrul District Magistrate imposed curfew in Litan village on Sunday evening, citing apprehensions of a breach of peace and threats to life and property.

According to police, the violence was allegedly triggered by a drunken altercation on February 7 at Litan Sareikhong, during which a Tangkhul Naga man, identified as Sterling, was assaulted and later shifted to a hospital in Imphal for treatment. An FIR has been registered, and investigations are ongoing.

Litan, located about 35 km from Imphal, is a mixed-population town inhabited by Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities and serves as a key trading hub for surrounding villages, making it particularly sensitive to communal tensions.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited RIMS Hospital in Imphal to check on those injured. Accompanied by BJP state president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi and other MLAs, he reviewed the medical care being provided and assured full support to the victims and their families.

Calling the incident a result of a misunderstanding, the Chief Minister said the situation was under control and appealed to all communities to maintain peace and harmony.