In Litan village of the Ukhrul district of Manipur, fresh violence erupted between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities, at least 50 houses were burnt into ashes on Tuesday and the authorities suspended the internet services in the district over a period of five days, officials said.
The recent escalation is preceded by tensions that started exploding on Saturday after a fight erupted between the members of the two communities in Litan village. In the confrontation, one man was injured who was a man named Sterling Shimray of Sakibung village. Ukhrul district magistrate Asish Das responded by imposing prohibitory orders on the district on Sunday citing concerns that the situation could lead to a major violation of peace and tranquillity in the region between the Tangkhul and Kuki communities.
In spite of the limitations, the violence was escalated in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. More than 18 houses in and around the village of Litan were reportedly set ablaze by unidentified miscreants who had brought the total number of houses destroyed to about 50 by Tuesday morning. The situation was further aggravated by the fact that the officials indicated that there was an extensive exchange of fire within the surrounding areas as well.
Massive deployment of security forces has also been used to curb further violence and bring order. The authorities reported that they are trying to make the area stabilised and safe.
Fearing that misinformation might lead to further heightening of the situation, the Manipur home department suspended internet services in the Ukhrul district within a period of five days. This was after a request by the district magistrate, who threatened in response that anti-social elements would use the social media sites to spread provocative messages, videos and pictures.
The district magistrate in a letter to the state home commissioner indicated that the recent developments were a grave threat to the safety and peace of people and a temporary suspension of the internet services was needed in order to curb the spread of rumours and ensure law and order.
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