Manipur violence: Manipur ignites again! Arson of houses, indiscriminate firing; Internet shut for 5 days, curfew imposed

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Violence erupted in Manipur's Ukhrul district due to increasing tension between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities, with many houses set on fire and firing incidents.

Beginning of Violence

On Saturday night, seven to eight people attacked a person from the Tangkhul Naga community in the village of Liton Sareikhong, which created a tense situation. A meeting for peace was scheduled for Sunday, but it could not take place, and on Monday midnight, armed criminals set fire to several houses of the Tangkhul Naga community. Following this, the Naga community targeted the houses of the Kuki community, partially damaging a house in K. Lungviram village; security forces immediately extinguished the fire.

Administrative Response

Fearing the situation might worsen, the Ukhrul district administration has declared a curfew throughout the district and deployed additional security forces. The Home Commissioner of the Manipur government has ordered the shutdown of all data services, including internet, broadband, VPN, and VSAT, for five days to prevent the spread of rumors and misinformation. According to the notification issued by District Magistrate Ashish Das, the curfew started at 7 PM on Sunday and will remain in effect until further orders; exemptions have been made for essential services.

Consequences and Fear

During the attack, gunfire in the mountainous area spread terror, and many villagers fled to the neighboring Kangpokpi district with essential items. Tear gas was used to disperse the violent groups in various areas including Liton, Mahadev, Lambui, and Shangkhai, while it is reported that about 30 empty houses were set on fire. The old conflict between the Naga and Kuki communities has now intensified, and the administration is on alert.