Manipur violence: 25 houses burnt in Ukhrul after Tangkhul–Kuki clash, curfew imposed

Imphal: Violence broke out in Litan village township in Manipur’s Ukhrul district late Sunday night, leaving at least 25 houses and four government quarters gutted in arson attacks, police said. The clashes followed a confrontation between a Tangkhul Naga man and a Kuki man, which escalated amid rising tensions in the area.

The incident occurred around 11.30 pm to 12.30 am in Litan Bazar and adjoining areas along the Imphal–Ukhrul road. Officials said suspected miscreants set fire to several houses, the majority belonging to members of the Tangkhul Naga community, although preliminary assessments indicated that two damaged houses belonged to members of the Kuki community. Gunshots from automatic rifles were reportedly heard, intensifying panic among residents.

Earlier on Sunday evening, the District Magistrate of Ukhrul imposed a curfew in Litan village, citing apprehension of a breach of peace between the two communities. Prohibitory orders under Section 122 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, had also been enforced from 7 pm amid escalating tensions.

According to police, the violence was triggered by a drunken altercation on February 7 at Litan Sareikhong. During the clash, a Tangkhul Naga man identified as AS Sterling, 42, sustained serious injuries and was later shifted to a hospital in Imphal for treatment. As tensions mounted on Sunday evening, security forces fired teargas shells to disperse stone-pelting mobs.

Fearing further escalation, residents from both Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities began abandoning their homes. Many were seen leaving the area in trucks, private vehicles and on foot, carrying essential belongings and valuables. Videos of the blaze circulated widely on social media.

To stabilise the situation, additional security forces were deployed, including four columns of the Assam Rifles, two companies of the Central Armed Police Forces, four columns of the 8 Bihar Regiment, personnel from the 4th Mahar Regiment, and units of the BSF and CRPF. A senior Manipur Police team led by an Inspector General (Law and Order) reviewed security arrangements on the ground. Officials later said the situation was under control, though tension persisted.

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho chaired an emergency public meeting at the Litan police station, attended by senior civil, police and political officials, as well as representatives of community organisations. These included the Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Katho Katamnao Long and the Kuki Students’ Organisation, all of whom appealed for restoration of peaceful coexistence.

Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said he visited RIMS Hospital to meet those injured and assured them of necessary medical support. An FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway, police said.