Imphal: Fresh violence erupted in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Sunday evening after members of two tribal communities clashed, forcing the district administration to impose prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation, officials said.
The confrontation broke out at Litan village, where members of the Tangkhul and Kuki communities allegedly engaged in heavy stone pelting. Security forces intervened and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, officials said.
Several rounds of firing were also reported from the area, heightening tension and triggering fears of a deterioration in the law and order situation.
In an official order, Ukhrul District Magistrate Asish Das said there was a strong apprehension of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity in Litan village. The order noted that the prevailing circumstances required immediate action and made prior notice impractical.
Invoking powers under Sub-Section 1 of Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, the district magistrate prohibited the movement of people outside their residences and banned any activity that could disturb law and order in the Scheduled Area from 7 pm on February 8, 2026, until further notice.
The restrictions, however, will not apply to government officials and security personnel.
Officials said tension had been building in the area since Saturday night after a member of the Tangkhul community was allegedly assaulted by a group of seven to eight people at Litan village.
The issue was initially settled between the victim’s side and the chief of Litan Sareikhong, with both parties agreeing to resolve the matter through customary practices. A meeting was scheduled for Sunday to formalise the settlement.
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However, the meeting did not take place as the victim’s family reportedly failed to attend. Instead, a group of villagers from nearby Sikibung allegedly attacked the residence of the chief of Litan Sareikhong.
While retreating, the attackers allegedly fired seven rounds as they passed through the vicinity of the Litan police station, officials said.
