Daijiworld Media Network - Ukhrul
Ukhrul, Feb 10: At least 50 houses were burnt down in Litan village of Manipur’s Ukhrul district following a fresh escalation of violence between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities, prompting authorities to suspend internet services in the district for five days, officials said on Tuesday.
Tension in the village began on Saturday after a scuffle broke out between members of the two communities, during which Sterling Shimray of Sakibung village sustained injuries. In view of the situation, Ukhrul District Magistrate Asish Das imposed prohibitory orders in the area on Sunday, citing apprehension of breach of peace and public tranquillity between the Tangkhul and Kuki communities.
However, defying the order, unidentified miscreants torched over 18 houses in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. The number of gutted houses later rose to around 50 by Tuesday morning. Officials said there was also a heavy exchange of fire in the surrounding areas of Litan village.
Security forces have been deployed in strength to stabilise the situation and prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, the Manipur home department ordered the suspension of internet services in Ukhrul district for five days, following a request from the district magistrate. In his letter to the commissioner (home), the magistrate said recent developments had caused significant disturbances and posed a serious threat to public safety and peace. He added that temporary suspension of internet services was necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation and incendiary content on social media that could worsen the situation.
In a related development, a minor firing incident was reported in K Lungwiram village of Kangpokpi district, causing partial damage to a residential house. Security forces rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Officials said the cause of the incident is under investigation and the overall situation in the area remains normal.
The Konsaram Village Authority condemned the violence and appealed to the state and central governments to immediately deploy adequate security, initiate relief measures and take firm action to restore law and order.
Police also dismissed rumours circulating on social media claiming that residents of Konshakhul village had fled to Kanto Sabal in Imphal West district following the Litan incident. “No villagers have moved out, except for a few students and families who have taken temporary rental accommodation due to the start of the new school session,” the police clarified, urging the public not to believe or spread false information.