Fresh Violence Erupts in Manipur's Ukhrul District Despite Security Measures
Manipur's Ukhrul district remains engulfed in tension as a seemingly minor altercation has spiraled into three consecutive days of widespread arson and violence. The situation, which began on February 7, has resulted in the torching of over 40 houses, the imposition of an indefinite curfew, and comprehensive internet bans across multiple districts as authorities scramble to restore order.
The Trigger: A Drunken Brawl Escalates Into Community Conflict
According to police reports, the violence originated from a drunken brawl on the evening of February 7 at Litan Sareikhong. During this altercation, a Tangkhul Naga man identified as Sterling was allegedly assaulted and sustained serious injuries. Litan, a small commercial town located approximately 35 kilometers from Imphal along the Imphal-Ukhrul road, is inhabited by both Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities, though Ukhrul district itself has a Tangkhul Naga majority.
"Things are still tense in the district, and though the civil society organisations on both sides are being engaged, there is still no agreement to resolve the issue," revealed a government official. "The trigger of this flare-up is a minor issue, but there are long-standing land disputes here, which are also aggravating it."
Security Response: Curfews, Internet Bans, and Joint Control Rooms
In response to the escalating violence, authorities have implemented stringent security measures. An indefinite curfew has been in effect since Sunday night, while security forces have been deployed throughout the affected areas. A Joint Control Room was established at Litan police station to coordinate between the various forces deployed.
Despite these precautions, fresh arson attacks and firing incidents broke out on Tuesday morning in Litan and adjoining villages of Ukhrul district. This prompted the state Home Department to issue an immediate internet ban in Ukhrul district starting at 11:30 am as a "preventive" and "precautionary" measure.
By evening, the internet restrictions were extended to Lhungtin sub-division in Kangpokpi district (a Kuki-Zo-dominated area) and Phungyar sub-division in Kamjong district (a Tangkhul Naga-dominated area) amid circulating rumors about activities in these regions.
Community Perspectives and Political Engagement
Civil society organizations from both communities have been actively engaged in attempts to find a resolution to the tensions. On Monday, talks between leaders of both communities were held under the chairmanship of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho.
Tangkhul Naga Long vice president RS Jollyson expressed grave concerns about the situation: "The matter has gone completely out of hand with so many different people getting involved, and people are very apprehensive about why the violence is continuing, even with the presence of security forces and are questioning whether Tangkhul Nagas are safe in their own homeland."
Mercy Khongsai, vice-president of the Ukhrul Kuki Students' Organisation, offered a similar assessment: "It began as a fight between some individuals, and now both communities are suffering. Maybe somewhere down the line, there was some communication gap... Till now, there have been two meetings to try and resolve this, including in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister, but tempers have been very high, and we are trying to understand why this has become so hard to resolve."
Looking Forward: High-Level Meeting Scheduled
Leaders of civil society organizations from both sides have been invited for a meeting with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday, indicating the seriousness with which state authorities are treating the situation. The continued violence despite security deployments highlights the deep-seated tensions underlying what began as an individual altercation.
The situation in Ukhrul district serves as a stark reminder of how quickly localized incidents can escalate into broader community conflicts in regions with historical tensions and unresolved disputes. As security forces maintain their presence and political leaders attempt mediation, residents of both communities await a resolution that can restore peace to the troubled district.
