Manipur: Houses Burn as Tension Flares in Ukhrul
Suspected arson in Litan locality of Ukhrul district has renewed tensions, even as the state government and community leaders call for restraint and dialogue.
IMPHAL — Tension escalated in Ukhrul district after several houses were reportedly set on fire at Litan locality on the night of February 8, allegedly by armed groups. The incident has added to the fragile security situation in the hill district, which has witnessed periodic unrest over the past months.
According to official sources, multiple houses were damaged in the incident, triggering panic among residents. The situation reportedly worsened again on Sunday at Litan Sareikhong, even after appeals for calm were issued by the state leadership and community representatives from both sides held discussions aimed at de-escalation.
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Responding to the incident, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho said the episode should not be viewed as communal violence. “This is not communal violence, but the outcome of certain individuals’ actions,” he stated, emphasising that the government is monitoring the situation closely.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh had appealed to both communities to maintain peace and exercise restraint. Meetings between leaders of the concerned communities were also held in an attempt to prevent further escalation.
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Despite these efforts, reports of fresh tension and burning of houses at Litan Sareikhong emerged a short while later, raising questions about the effectiveness of peace appeals and ground-level enforcement.
Security forces have been placed on alert, and district authorities are assessing the situation to prevent further incidents. Officials said steps are being taken to identify those responsible and to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
The latest incident underscores the continued volatility in parts of Manipur, where ethnic tensions and sporadic violence have posed persistent challenges to governance and civilian safety.
