A tense calm in Ukhrul district was shattered on Saturday as fresh firing erupted at Litan Sareikhong, allegedly by Tangkhul Naga village volunteers, leaving locals rattled and security forces on high alert, according to a report by Economic Times.
According to police, around 12 rounds from a 12-bore weapon were fired near the foothills between Sikibung and Litan Sareikhong. The incident, reportedly involving suspected blank rounds, sparked panic among residents already on edge after earlier clashes in the area.
A joint verification by district police, Central Armed Police Force personnel, and Tangkhul civilians confirmed the source of the firing.
The police urged both Kuki and Naga communities to exercise restraint and refrain from spreading unverified information, warning that rumours could exacerbate tensions.
To secure the area, a Border Security Force team has been stationed along the Mongkot Chepu side of the Thoubal River, while the Central Reserve Police Force monitors Litan Sareikhong. Both sides of the river are now under continuous surveillance as part of confidence-building measures.
The violence traces back to February 7, when a member of the Tangkhul Naga community was reportedly assaulted at Litan village, igniting clashes in the tribal-inhabited region. Following the unrest, the state government had imposed a five-day internet suspension across Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Kangpokpi districts, which was lifted on Friday, signaling a tentative return to normalcy.
The police have reiterated that the public should contact district authorities for verification and that legal action will be taken against those spreading false information.
