New violence occurred in the Ukhrul district of Manipur on Monday afternoon when armed rogue elements, allegedly burning down more houses in Litan Sareikhong village, triggered a new panic among people, officials said.
Armed groups were reported by the authorities to have fired rounds into the air near the hill village, and people were forced to flee with their key belongings to safer places in the adjacent Kangpokpi district. Some of the Tangkhul Nagas, who are in the village, are said to have fled the region due to fear of an additional outbreak.
The most recent outburst is preceded by violence that broke out on Saturday night of the latest flare-up, where a Tangkhul Naga community member was reportedly attacked by a group of seven or eight individuals in Litan village. The government officials indicated that the problem was first solved amicably by negotiations between the family of the victim and Litan Sareikhong Chief, and both groups agreed to resolve the issue by means of traditional ways. The meeting to be followed up was scheduled for Sunday without materialising.
Rather, the situation got heated as the villagers of the neighbouring Sikibung supposedly stormed the house of the Litan Sareikhong chief. By Sunday evening, two groups of tribal people were fighting over the stone-pelting incidences, and the administration had to issue prohibitory orders in the locality.
It was further aggravated after midnight on Monday when Kuki militants were allegedly involved in the setting of fire on several houses owned by the Tangkhul Nagas. In response, some of the houses of the members of the Kuki community were also burned down in a neighbouring area, authorities said.
In response to the developments, a state minister, Govindas Konthoujam, said the ground situation was very tense. He affirmed that there was the presence of Deputy Chief Minister L Dikho in the area, who was discussing with the villagers. Until 5 am today, 17 houses were burned. A total of 21 houses have been gutted at this point, the minister said, and security forces are on high alert to prevent violence.
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