Prohibitory orders were imposed in Litan, Ukhrul district after clashes between Tangkhul and Kuki communities led to arson, firing and displacement.
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IMPHAL — Violence erupted in and around Litan in Manipur’s Ukhrul district following clashes between two tribal communities on Sunday night, prompting the district administration to impose prohibitory orders to prevent further escalation.
District Magistrate of Ukhrul, Asish Das, while issuing prohibitory orders under Sub-Section (1) of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, stated: “As per reports from reliable sources, there is apprehension of a breach of peace and public tranquillity at Litan village between two communities, namely Tangkhul and Kuki.”
The order came into effect from 7 pm on Sunday. Despite the imposition of prohibitory orders, reports of arson and firing have emerged, according to people familiar with the developments.
About 30 houses, including four government quarters, and three four-wheeler vehicles were reportedly set on fire in Litan and adjoining areas, sources said.
Following the violence, a large number of security personnel were deployed in and around Litan area. Residents from both communities were seen leaving the affected villages and moving to safer locations.
Tension had reportedly been simmering since Saturday night after an individual identified as AS Sterling of Sarkaphung village was allegedly assaulted at Litan village, sources said.
Litan is a small commercial hill town located about 40 km northeast of Imphal along the Imphal–Ukhrul highway and is inhabited largely by Kuki and Tangkhul communities.
Meanwhile, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Ukhrul district, Polly Makan, in an order issued on Monday, prohibited the display of arms, particularly in a manner likely to cause public fear, unrest or disturbance.
Any violation will invite suspension or revocation of arms licences under Sections 17 and 22 of the Arms Act, 1959, the order said.
In another order issued on Monday, the ADM empowered the police and magistrates to disperse unlawful assemblies at Litan and neighbouring villages under Section 42(2) of the BNSS.
In an effort to restore normalcy, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho convened a meeting on Monday with MLAs Ram Muivah (Ukhrul) and Kimneo Haokip Hangshing (Saikul), along with leaders of both communities, at the Litan police station premises.
Meanwhile, keeping in view public convenience and transportation needs between Ukhrul and Imphal, Manipur government has scheduled one sortie of a special helicopter service on February 10 for the Imphal–Ukhrul–Imphal sector.
Informing this in a press release, Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai said that the government is also working to schedule two additional helicopter sorties over and above the regular services.
Passengers have been advised to carry minimal baggage, as the maximum permissible weight in helicopters is 7 kg per passenger, the release added.
Earlier in the day, Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand visited those injured in the Litan incident at RIMS Hospital and assured all necessary medical support for their speedy recovery.