Tension escalates in Ukhrul after arson, firing

Fresh violence erupted in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Tuesday morning over the alleged assault of a Tangkhul community member, with several abandoned houses torched and shots fired in Litan Sareikhong area, police said. The state government has suspended internet services in the district for five days as a precautionary measure.
The violence comes a day after two Tangkhul Naga organisations restricted the movement of Kukis in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, PTI report stated.
“Armed men set ablaze abandoned houses and fired several rounds in Litan Sareikhong. The situation remains tense and security forces are working to bring it under control,” a police officer said.
Internet services, including broadband, VPN and VSAT, have been suspended across Ukhrul district to prevent escalation. Locals who fled their homes reportedly confronted security forces, alleging failure to stop the firing. A viral video showed thick smoke engulfing the hill area.
Hundreds of Kuki and Tangkhul villagers, mostly women, children and elderly persons, have fled Litan Sareikhong and nearby Kuki villages over the past two days, taking shelter in safer areas of Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts.
Several villagers have moved to Motbung and parts of Saikul in Kangpokpi district.
Manipur minister Govindas Konthoujam had earlier stated that at least 21 houses were burnt and additional security forces deployed to control the situation. Police also rescued two truck drivers stranded at Lamlai Chingphei Kuki village after their vehicles broke down.
Correspondent Adds: Meanwhile, Manipur Police refuted social media allegations that security forces were involved in the arson, terming the claims false. Police said personnel reached the site promptly and alerted the fire brigade, while an Army team arrived about an hour later. Cases have been registered against an X user and a Facebook user for allegedly spreading misinformation.
Civil society organisations have expressed concern over the situation. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) termed the incidents a manifestation of a prolonged crisis marked by proxy politics and institutional negligence.
Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam described the clashes as “very unfortunate” and urged that differences be resolved through dialogue rather than force.