Manipur Violence Update: Massive Arson in Ukhrul, Internet Banned for 5 Days

Within a week of the formation of the new government in Manipur, violence erupted. Miscreants set fire to 25 houses and four government quarters in Litan Sreikhong village in Ukhrul district.

Following the violence, a curfew was imposed in the entire district. Internet services were suspended for five days from 11:30 am on February 10th. Security forces are present in the area following violent clashes between the Tangkhul and Kuki tribes.

The violence began with a drunken brawl in Litan Sreikhong on the evening of February 7th, in which a man named Sterling, belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community, was assaulted.

Curfew imposed after arson in Litan

Miscreants set fire to several houses in villages around the Litan area of ​​Ukhrul district. Police reported that rifle fire was also fired during the violence. The curfew was imposed after panic spread in the area. The situation is currently tense, but largely under control due to heavy security deployment.

Amid fears of escalating tensions, people have begun leaving their homes on their own without any administrative assistance. Officials stated that the Litan police station has ensured the safe movement of people and maintained law and order.

BSF, CRPF, and Assam Rifles personnel have been deployed in the violence-affected areas, while additional security forces have also been dispatched.

Litan, a small commercial town located about 35 kilometers from Imphal, is home to both the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. It serves as a trading hub for surrounding villages.

A joint control room has been set up at the Litan police station.

A joint control room has been set up at the Litan police station for security and coordination. Senior police officers are camping at the scene and the situation is being continuously monitored. Police stated that law and order remained normal throughout the state over the past 24 hours. Search operations and area domination are ongoing in sensitive and border areas.

115 checkpoints and checkpoints have been set up across the state. 306 vehicles carrying essential goods were escorted safely along National Highway 37.

Deputy CM Losi Dikho arrives in Litan

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister and Naga leader Losi Dikho has been camping in the troubled area since Sunday. He held meetings with local residents and helped defuse tensions. Losi also met with leaders of the Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee (FNCC) and the Joint Tribes Council (JTC) at his Lamphel home in the presence of BJP leader L. Newmai.

Manipur Police have appealed to the public not to believe rumors and fake videos circulating on social media and to verify any information with the Central Control Room.

Three main reasons for violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities

1. Demand for ST (Scheduled Tribe) status: On April 14, 2023, the Manipur High Court directed the state government to send a recommendation on granting ST status to the Meitei community. This order sparked outrage and violence among the Kuki community.

The Kukis are already in the ST category. They fear that if the Meitei are also granted ST status, they will be able to purchase land in the hilly areas, jeopardizing their cultural, social, and geographical existence.

The Imphal Valley of Manipur, where the Meitei majority live, accounts for approximately 10% of the land area. The remaining 90% of the hilly areas belong to the Kuki and Naga communities. This area falls under tribal lands, and the Meitei cannot purchase land there.

2. Demand for a separate Kuki administration: The Kuki community is demanding separate administrative autonomy under the name 'Kukiland' or 'Jumland'. The Meitei community and the state government consider this demand a threat to the integrity of the state.

3. Allegations of drug trafficking against the Kukis: The Kuki community has been accused of smuggling drugs from Myanmar. The government has also accused the Kukis of being involved in illegal opium cultivation and smuggling, further increasing their distrust of the government.

The Kukis believe that such allegations are made to defame their community. The Kukis allege that the Manipur government (the former BJP government) favors the Meitei. They also accuse the security forces and police of taking unilateral action.