Fresh incidents of violence in Manipur’s Ukhrul district have prompted authorities to impose a curfew and suspend internet services for five days, following reports that armed individuals set fire to several houses and triggered widespread panic among residents.
The unrest reportedly began late Monday night in Litan Sareikhong village, where unidentified armed miscreants allegedly torched residential structures and fired multiple rounds into the air. The sudden escalation forced many residents to flee their homes overnight, carrying essential belongings as they sought safety in nearby areas, including parts of Kangpokpi district. Some members of the Tangkhul community were also reported to have temporarily relocated amid growing fears of further violence.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the Manipur government ordered an immediate suspension of internet services across Ukhrul district. According to an official directive issued by the Commissioner (Home), the recent developments posed a serious threat to public safety and peace. The suspension of internet connectivity, which will remain in effect for five days, has been implemented to curb the spread of misinformation that could further inflame tensions.
Authorities have also imposed curfew restrictions in sensitive areas of the district and increased deployment of security personnel to prevent additional incidents and maintain order.
Officials stated that reports of gunfire near Litan Sareikhong village created widespread fear, prompting families to leave their homes under cover of darkness. Several households packed basic necessities and relocated to safer areas as tensions escalated. District police later visited the affected villages and assured residents that measures were being taken to restore stability and ensure their safety.
In a separate statement, police reported a minor fire at approximately 12:10 am on Monday in K Lungwiram village, which caused partial damage to a residential building. Security forces responded promptly and extinguished the flames. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and stated that the broader law-and-order situation remains under control.
Local bodies, including the Konsaram Village Authority, have condemned the violence and appealed to both state and central governments for the deployment of additional security personnel, assistance for affected families, and decisive action to restore normalcy.
Police have also sought to dispel rumours circulating on social media. Officials denied claims of large-scale displacement from certain villages, clarifying that only a limited number of families and students had temporarily moved to rented accommodation due to the start of the academic session. Residents have been urged not to spread or rely on unverified information.
Preliminary reports indicate that the violence may have been preceded by an incident on Saturday night, when a member of the Tangkhul Naga community was allegedly assaulted by a group of individuals in Litan village. The matter was initially addressed through local customary channels, with plans for a follow-up meeting. However, the meeting did not take place, and tensions escalated.
Around midnight on Monday, several houses belonging to members of the Tangkhul community were allegedly set ablaze by suspected Kuki militants in Litan Sareikhong. In what authorities believe to be retaliatory action, a few houses associated with the Kuki community were also reportedly burned in a nearby area.
Security forces remain on heightened alert as authorities continue efforts to prevent further escalation and restore peace in the district.
