Suspected militants set fire to multiple houses and vehicles in Litan Sareikhong and nearby areas in Manipur’s Ukhrul district during the early hours on Monday. Tensions escalated in the region following an alleged assault on a Tangkhul community member by a group of seven to eight individuals on Saturday night. Subsequent stone-pelting incidents between two tribal groups led to the administration imposing prohibitory orders to curb violence. The arson affected houses primarily belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community, with a few Kuki community houses also set ablaze. Tangkhuls represent the largest Naga tribe in Manipur, while Litan Sareikhong is predominantly Kuki. Social media videos show militants in camouflage, armed with sophisticated weapons, firing into the air in Litan. In response, additional security forces have been deployed to maintain order and prevent disturbances. Concerns about potential unrest between the Tangkhul and Kuki communities remain high. To address this, the Ukhrul district administration has enforced a complete prohibition on movement outside residences in the region, instated from 7 pm on February 8, 2026, through the application of Sub-Section 1 of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Houses Set on Fire in Manipur’s Ukhrul District Amid Renewed Tensions
