Stone Pelting Violence Erupts in Manipur's Ukhrul District
Two tribal communities engaged in intense stone pelting at Litan village in Ukhrul district of Manipur on Sunday evening, prompting local authorities to impose strict prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation of violence. The administration acted swiftly following reports of mob formation and rising tensions between the groups.
Assault Incident Sparks Community Tensions
The conflict originated from an assault on a Tangkhul man identified as Starling Shimray (43) of Sikibung/Sharkaphung village. According to sources, Shimray was allegedly attacked by unidentified miscreants suspected to be from the Kuki community at Litan village. The victim sustained significant jaw injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment in Imphal.
Residents of Sikibung/Sharkaphung expressed strong anger over the incident and demanded immediate arrest of the perpetrators. By evening, youths from both villages began gathering and forming aggressive mobs, prompting police intervention with teargas shells to disperse the crowds and prevent further violence.
District Administration Imposes Strict Restrictions
Fearing further escalation of the situation, Ukhrul District Magistrate Asish Das issued prohibitory orders under sub-section 1 of Section 163 of the BNSS. The order prohibits the movement of any person outside their respective residences and bans any other act that may disturb the prevailing law and order in the area until further notice.
In the official order, the district magistrate stated there was apprehension of a breach of peace and public tranquillity at Litan village between members of the Tangkhul and Kuki communities. The administration emphasized the need for immediate measures to maintain stability in the region.
Kuki-Zo Council Issues Travel Advisory Amid Political Changes
Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), headquartered in Churachandpur of Manipur, issued a significant advisory on Sunday cautioning all state and central government employees, as well as private employees belonging to the Kuki-Zo community, against travelling or accepting postings in Meitei-dominated areas at this time.
The advisory was issued following the formation of the new BJP-led government in the strife-torn north-eastern state. The KZC stated clearly that "the conflict between the Kuki-Zo people and the Meiteis did not yet end" and emphasized that there is currently no political solution, no mutually agreed settlement, and no formal agreement in place to address the root causes of the conflict or to guarantee the safety and security of the Kuki-Zo people.
In their media release on Sunday, the council observed that the situation on the ground in Manipur remains fragile, tense, and unpredictable. With the installation of a new Meitei-led government, the KZC expressed concern that employees may be directed or transferred to serve in Meitei-dominated areas.
Council Emphasizes Safety Over Official Duties
The Kuki-Zo Council strongly advised all employees—whether under the state government, central government, public sector undertakings, or private institutions—not to travel, report for duty, or accept postings in such areas, even if officially called upon or instructed to do so.
The council stated that their advisory was issued "purely in the interest of safeguarding human life" and emphasized that "life is precious, and no official duty, posting, or administrative order is worth risking one's safety at this critical juncture."
The situation in Manipur continues to be monitored closely by authorities as they work to maintain peace and prevent further violence between communities in the region.
