Manipur Unrest: 21 Homes Torched Amid Rising Tensions in Ukhrul District

Ukhrul district in Manipur witnessed fresh violence in Litan Sareikhong village, where armed groups reportedly set fire to homes and fired in the air, leaving at least 21 houses destroyed. Residents, predominantly from the Tangkhul Naga community, fled toward safer areas in the neighboring Kangpokpi district, officials said.

State Minister Govindas Konthoujam described the situation as tense and difficult to control. "Despite peace efforts, violence continues. By 5 am, 17 houses had been burnt, and now the total stands at 21," he told reporters. Additional security personnel have been deployed to stabilize the area.

The latest attacks reportedly occurred around midnight on Monday, targeting Tangkhul Naga homes, with a few Kuki community houses also set ablaze in nearby localities. The escalation followed an initial outbreak of violence on Saturday night, triggered by the alleged assault of a Tangkhul Naga resident by a group of seven to eight people.

Authorities initially tried to resolve the issue through local customary practices, with a meeting scheduled on Sunday. However, tensions boiled over as villagers from nearby Sikibung allegedly attacked the residence of the Litan Sareikhong village chief, firing shots near the local police station. Stone pelting between the two tribal groups forced officials to impose prohibitory orders in and around the village.

As reports of arson and gunfire spread, more families fled Litan Sareikhong with essential belongings, taking refuge in Kangpokpi district. Security forces have increased patrols along key routes and vulnerable hamlets to prevent further clashes.

In a bid to restore peace, Deputy Chief Minister L Dikho led a delegation to the affected area, meeting village heads and representatives from both Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. "Everyone wants peace. While immediate solutions are difficult, there is a consensus that violence must stop," Dikho said, emphasizing that the unrest stemmed from the actions of a few and should not divide communities.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh appealed for calm on social media after visiting injured villagers at RIMS Hospital. He assured full medical support and called on all communities to maintain harmony. Authorities continue to closely monitor the fragile situation as efforts to contain the unrest persist.