Imphal: Tensions flared in Litan Sareikhong village of Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Thursday when two more houses were set on fire despite an indefinite curfew in force, sparking a gunfight in the area. Later, a group of Tangkhul Naga women attempted to attack the Litan police station, alleging that the security forces had failed to control the situation. The police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the agitated crowd.
Unidentified suspects set fire to 50 houses in Litan village of Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Tuesday. (PTI)The unrest erupted on Saturday when clashes erupted between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki community groups in Litan village, injuring a man from Sakibung village, Sterling Shimre. Following the incident, District Magistrate Ashish Das imposed a curfew in the area from 7 pm on February 8.
But disobeying orders, Unknown assailants set fire to 50 houses in Liton village Amid a fresh escalation of violence between two communities in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Tuesday, authorities suspended internet services in the district for five days.
According to the police, unknown accused set fire to two houses in Liton Sarikhong village around 7 am on Thursday. Manipur Fire Service tries to put out the fire; However, due to its intensity, houses were reduced to ashes.
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A massive exchange of fire broke out between the armed miscreants and the police around 8.50 am, which lasted for about 30 minutes, officials said.
Meanwhile, Tangkhul Naga women tried to storm the Litan police station, alleging that the security forces could not control the law and order situation in the area. Police fired several rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Police officials said no casualties were reported and the situation in the area was under control.
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Meanwhile, women of the Vaipei tribe held a protest rally on Thursday expressing their frustration over Kuki-Jo MLA LM Khaut, who accompanied Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to Imphal to demand government formation.
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LM Khaute belongs to the Vaifei community, one of the Kuki-Jo tribes of Manipur.
The protest was organized by a civic organization Vifei Women’s Association (VWA). Protesters gathered at Dorcas Veng’s Vaipei People’s Council Hall in Churachandpur in the morning and marched towards the MLA’s residence.
Members of the Zomi Mothers Association (an organization representing sub-tribes of the Kuki and Zomi communities) tried to intervene and prevent the protesters from proceeding. However, the protesters told ZMA members that the protest was an internal matter of the Waifei community.
Near the entrance of the MLA’s house, Rapid Action Force personnel fired several rounds to disperse the protesters. Around 12.45 pm the protesters dispersed from the spot.
