The Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) from Ukhrul district has dismissed allegations of a communal clash in Litan village, clarifying that the reported incident originated from a minor confrontation between a few intoxicated individuals, which was subsequently misrepresented and escalated tensions between communities. KSO vice president Mercy Khongsai stated that a small altercation involving three or four drunk men was incorrectly portrayed as a communal conflict. She emphasized that the issue is not communal, but rather instigated by anti-social elements attempting to frame it as such, expressing concern over how quickly the situation deteriorated despite attempts to de-escalate it.
Khongsai noted that a meeting took place on Monday with representatives from the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) and the Deputy Chief Minister aimed at resolving the misunderstanding. Unfortunately, they did not reach a consensus, and soon after the meeting, individuals from the Tangkhul community reportedly began burning several houses. This escalation, Khongsai claims, transformed what was initially a minor dispute into a much more serious conflict due to misinterpretation and intentional provocation.
Eyewitness accounts reinforce KSO’s narrative. Hegin Baite, a resident of Litan village, described the initial quarrel among drunken individuals, which they believed would resolve itself peacefully. Instead, the situation escalated, leading to violent incidents including attacks with stones and the burning of homes. Baite recounted the fear and chaos experienced by his family, who had to flee their home at night, crossing the river to escape the violence, insisting that they did not instigate the conflict.
This incident underscores the volatility in parts of Manipur, wherein local disputes can be increasingly misconstrued as communal issues, complicating ongoing efforts for reconciliation and peace within the region.
