Fresh violence broke out in Litan town of Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Sunday night following escalating tensions between Tangkhul and Kuki communities, leaving at least 24 houses burnt and prompting large-scale deployment of security forces even as authorities imposed prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation.
According to local media and ground verification presented during a public meeting held at Litan Police Station, 24 houses were destroyed in the unrest — 21 belonging to members of the Tangkhul Naga community and three to the Kuki community. Incidents of arson and reported firing were said to have continued despite restrictions, while residents from both communities were seen leaving vulnerable areas amid fears of renewed clashes.
District Magistrate Asish Das imposed prohibitory measures under Section 163(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, citing apprehension of a breach of peace between the two communities. Officials said the order came into force from 7 pm on Sunday.
A public meeting convened at Litan Police Station with community leaders and elected representatives assessed the damage and discussed steps toward restoring normalcy. Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho described the meeting as “fruitful,” stating, “Both sides want peace and harmony. The Centre will try its best to bring normalcy. No arrests have been made as of now, but the culprits will be arrested.”
Tangkhul Naga Long president Sword Vashum said, “We want and need peace, but one has to know who the land owner is.”
Both communities reportedly called for restraint and mutual understanding during the meeting.
The latest unrest is believed to have stemmed from an alleged assault on an individual identified as AS Sterling of Sarkaphung village on Saturday evening at Litan Sareikhong. He reportedly sustained serious injuries following an altercation involving members of both communities and was later shifted to Imphal for treatment.
Efforts at local-level resolution appeared to falter. While Litan Sareikhong authorities indicated that the matter would be addressed through customary mechanisms, villagers from Sharkaphung reportedly demanded that those responsible be handed over. The Kuki Students’ Organisation said the issue had been resolved through village authorities, a claim rejected by the Katho Katamnao Long, which termed the statement misleading.
As tensions deepened, retaliatory attacks were reported on several properties, including the residence of the Litan Sareikhong chief. Both KKL and KSO later issued appeals urging restraint and peace among communities.
On Monday, Additional District Magistrate Polly Makan issued further restrictions, including a ban on the display of arms likely to cause fear or unrest, warning of licence suspension under the Arms Act, 1959. A separate order empowered police and magistrates to disperse unlawful assemblies under provisions of the BNSS.
Senior political leaders moved to de-escalate tensions, with Deputy Chief Minister Dikho meeting MLAs Ram Muivah and Kimneo Haokip Hangshing along with community representatives at Litan Police Station. Chief Minister Y Khemchand also visited injured persons at RIMS Hospital and assured medical assistance.
Amid disruptions to road movement, the Manipur government announced a special helicopter service on February 10 between Imphal and Ukhrul, with additional sorties under consideration.
Litan, located about 40 km northeast of Imphal along the Imphal–Ukhrul highway, is a small commercial hill town inhabited largely by Tangkhul and Kuki communities.