Imphal, Manipur’s Ukhrul district erupted in fresh violence on Monday afternoon when armed miscreants allegedly set fire to more houses in Litan Sarekhong village, officials said.
More houses were burnt in Manipur’s Ukhrul in fresh violenceArmed groups fired several rounds into the air around the hill village, forcing residents to flee to the safety of neighboring Kangpokpi district with essential items.
Several Tangkhul villagers are also reported to have left the area.
Violence first erupted in the area on Saturday night when seven to eight people allegedly assaulted a member of the Tangkhul Naga community in Litan village.
The matter was settled by the victim’s side and the head of Litan Sarekhong and both sides mutually agreed to resolve the issue through customary means with a meeting scheduled for Sunday, officials said.
However, the meeting did not take place.
Instead, a group of villagers from neighboring Sikibung allegedly attacked the residence of the chief of Litan Sareikhong.
Villagers also reportedly fired several rounds while moving around the Litan police station.
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On Sunday night, two tribal groups engaged in intense stone pelting in the village, prompting the administration to issue a prohibitory order.
On Monday midnight, Kuki militants set fire to several houses belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community in Litan Sareikhong.
A few houses belonging to the Kuki community in the surrounding area were also burnt, officials said.
Tangkhul is the largest Naga tribe in Manpur.
Reacting to the development, state minister Govindas Konthoujam said the situation on the ground remains tense.
“The situation on the ground is very tense. Deputy Chief Minister L Dikho is talking to the villagers. A meeting was held and soon after, more houses were reported to have been burnt. As of 5 am today, 17 houses have been burnt. Now, a total of 21 houses have been burnt,” Konthoujam told reporters.
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“As reports of continued violence continue, additional security forces have been deployed,” Kanthoujam added.
Mier, Appointer of Ministers L Dikho, MLA of Tangkhul, Liton.
“The meeting was attended by representatives of Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long and Assam Rifles officers, Ukhrul MLAs, state government officials and Kuki community representatives,” an official said.
Dikho also visited areas affected by clashes between Tangkhul and Kuki communities and held meetings with Naga and Kuki village heads.
Dikho, emphasizing the joint desire for peace, said both communities were positive and agreed to stop violence.
“The meeting has been very productive and positive. Everyone wants peace. It is difficult to reach an immediate decision, but there is a consensus that violence should not continue,” he told reporters.
Dikho also said that the incident was a result of the actions of a few individuals and should not be allowed to escalate into larger communal tensions.
“Security forces are very active and adequately deployed. We are doing our best to restore peace,” Dikho added.
Security forces are trying to control the situation with foot patrols, deployed at key points.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh, in a social media post, appealed to all communities to exercise restraint and maintain peace.
“Went to Reems Hospital this morning to meet the injured in the unfortunate Litan incident in Ukhrul district and assured them of all necessary medical assistance for their speedy recovery,” he said.
“The incident arising out of a misunderstanding is now under control. I appeal to all communities to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law and maintain peace and harmony,” the CM added.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without text modification
