Ethnic Clashes Escalate in Manipur: Dozens of Houses Burned in Litan Amid Ongoing Tangkhul-Kuki Tensions

India: Ethnic violence between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo communities has intensified in the Litan Sareikhong area of Manipur’s Ukhrul district, with more than 40 houses set ablaze, intermittent gunfire reported, and hundreds of villagers displaced since the unrest began in early February.

The current wave of clashes traces back to February 7, when a drunken altercation between individuals from the two communities quickly spiraled into widespread arson and armed confrontations. Over several nights, attackers torched homes in Litan Sareikhong and nearby villages, forcing residents to flee on foot or in private vehicles to safer locations, including neighboring districts.

Security forces have responded with a massive deployment that includes Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, the Army’s 8 Bihar Regiment, and Manipur Police personnel. Curfew has been imposed across parts of Ukhrul district, internet services remain suspended for several days to prevent the spread of rumors, and a joint control room has been set up at Litan police station to coordinate operations.

Eyewitness accounts and official reports describe thick smoke rising from burning houses, visible flames lighting up the night sky, and villagers describing panic after hearing gunshots, some as many as 12 rounds fired from a 12-bore weapon near the foothills on February 14. Additional arson incidents continued into February 12, when three more houses were set on fire despite the heavy security presence.

Both communities have traded accusations, with some local groups claiming security forces showed bias or failed to intervene effectively during the attacks. Civil society representatives from Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo organizations have held discussions aimed at de-escalation, but deep-seated grievances over land, resources, and historical disputes continue to fuel the tension.

State authorities are providing relief materials to displaced families and have appealed to residents to maintain calm, avoid spreading rumors, and cooperate with security forces. Additional reinforcements have been moved into the district as officials work to prevent further escalation in what remains a highly volatile situation.