Fresh violence broke out on Tuesday morning in Manipur’s Ukhrul district as armed assailants torched several vacant houses and opened fire in the Litang Sareikhong area. The incident has further inflamed long-simmering ethnic tensions between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities in the hill district.

Restrictions on Movement Trigger Unrest
The violence erupted a day after two prominent Tangkhul Naga civil bodies—Katho Long and Katho Katamnao Long—imposed restrictions on the movement of Kukis in Ukhrul and neighbouring Kamjong districts. Sources said the attack was allegedly triggered by an assault on a Tangkhul Naga individual, though officials noted that the exact sequence of events is still being verified.

Chaos and Smoke Across the Hills
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as thick plumes of smoke rose from the hills following the arson. Several videos circulating on social media showed homes engulfed in flames, underlining the scale of destruction caused during the attack.

Mass Evacuations From Affected Villages
Amid the violence, hundreds of villagers from both communities—including women, children and elderly residents—fled Kuki-dominated hamlets near Litang Sareikhong to escape the unrest. Many displaced families sought shelter in safer areas such as Motbung and Saikul in Kangpokpi district.
In a related incident, two truck drivers stranded in Lamla Chingfei Kuki Village were safely evacuated on Monday after their vehicle broke down.

At Least 21 Homes Destroyed
Manipur Minister Govindas Konthoujam confirmed that at least 21 houses were destroyed in the violence and said the situation remains tense. While no casualties have been reported so far, local residents expressed anger over what they described as a delayed police response to the firing.

Police Blame Armed Criminals, Reinforcements Deployed
A senior police officer said “armed criminals” were responsible for the gunfire and arson. He added that additional security forces have been deployed in the area to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation.

Internet Ban Imposed to Prevent Escalation
To curb the spread of rumours and prevent mobilisation through online platforms, the Manipur government imposed a five-day suspension of broadband, VPN and VSAT internet services across Ukhrul revenue areas. Security personnel have intensified patrols in sensitive locations to maintain law and order.

Calls for Calm Amid Fragile Peace
Community leaders from both sides have appealed for restraint as evacuations continue. The latest violence once again highlights the fragile peace in Manipur’s hill districts, which have witnessed repeated ethnic clashes over the past few years.