Imphal: Fresh violence erupted in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Tuesday, with abandoned houses set ablaze and gunfire reported in the Litan Sareikhong area, prompting the state government to suspend internet services across the district for five days as a preventive measure.
Police said armed men torched several deserted houses and fired multiple rounds early in the morning, intensifying tensions already simmering after the alleged assault of a member of the Tangkhul Naga community.
The situation remains volatile, with security forces deployed to bring the area under control.
The state government ordered the suspension of all internet services, including broadband, VPN and VSAT, within the revenue jurisdiction of Ukhrul district, citing law and order concerns.
Officials said the shutdown, effective from February 10, is aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and further escalation of violence.
The latest incident comes a day after two Tangkhul Naga organisations — Katho Long and Katho Katamnao Long — imposed restrictions on the movement of Kukis in Ukhrul and neighbouring Kamjong district, further heightening communal tensions.
Hundreds of villagers, including women, children and the elderly from Litan Sareikhong and nearby Kuki villages, have fled their homes over the past two days, seeking shelter in safer areas of Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts.
Several families have taken refuge in Motbung and parts of Saikul in Kuki-majority Kangpokpi, officials said.
Locals who fled the violence reportedly confronted security personnel, accusing them of failing to prevent the firing and arson.
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Visuals circulating on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising over the hill areas, reflecting the scale of the destruction.
Manipur minister Govindas Konthoujam said at least 21 houses had been burnt so far and described the situation as “tense”, adding that additional security forces had been deployed to stabilise the region.
In a related development, police rescued two truck drivers who were stranded at Lamlai Chingphei Kuki village under Litan police station limits after their vehicles broke down, officials said.
Authorities said the security situation remains under close watch as efforts continue to prevent further violence and restore normalcy in the region.
