Imphal: Tension continued to prevail in different parts of Ukhrul district of Manipur on Monday, following intermittent clashes and the burning of at least 20 houses belonging to the Naga and Kuki tribal communities, officials said.
A police officer in Imphal said that suspected armed militants set fire to several houses in Litan Sareikhong village of Ukhrul district on Sunday night after a member of the Tangkhul Naga community was attacked by a group of people.
Naga-Kuki Tribal Groups Pelt Stones
On Sunday evening and night, Naga and Kuki tribal groups engaged in heavy stone-pelting in Litan village, following which the district administration imposed prohibitory orders. The Tangkhul are the largest Naga tribe in Manipur, while Litan Sareikhong is predominantly inhabited by the Kuki community.
According to reliable sources, Ukhrul District Magistrate Ashish Das imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, on Sunday night, stating that there was a likelihood of a breach of peace between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities in Litan village. “…Such disturbances can seriously disrupt peace, threaten public order, and endanger lives and property.
The order stated, “The prevailing circumstances necessitate immediate action, making it impractical to issue a notice.” The District Magistrate has prohibited the movement of people outside their homes and banned any activity in the affected areas that could further aggravate the existing law and order situation until further orders.
Deputy CM camps in disturbed area
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, who is also a Naga leader, has been camping in the disturbed area since Sunday and holding meetings with local people to help de-escalate tensions.
Losii Dikho also held a meeting with leaders of the Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee (FNCC) and the Joint Tribes Council (JTC) at his Lamphel residence in the presence of senior BJP leader L. Nungmai.
Central forces deployed
An emergency meeting was also held at the Litan Police Station on Monday with local residents to bring the situation under control. Additional central forces have been deployed in Litan, Mahadev, Lambui, Shangkai villages and other areas to prevent further escalation of tension and maintain law and order.
On Sunday evening, security forces fired tear gas shells to disperse clashing Naga and Kuki groups in Litan Sareikhong village.
Special helicopter service on Imphal-Ukhrul route
Meanwhile, keeping in view the convenience of the people and the urgent need for transportation between Ukhrul and Imphal, the Manipur government has scheduled a special helicopter flight on the Imphal-Ukhrul-Imphal route on Tuesday.
The government is also working on scheduling two more helicopter flights on the same route on February 11. Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Anurag Bajpai said in a notification that these special services will be in addition to the regular schedule. He added that the state government is committed to providing uninterrupted transportation services to the people of Manipur. committed.
