Manipur: Curfew imposed after fresh violence in Ukhrul, internet suspended

Uurfew was imposed and internet services suspended in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Tuesday after unidentified armed persons set homes on fire, forcing residents to flee their homes overnight, India Today reported.

The armed groups allegedly torched houses in Litan Sareikhong village late on Monday and fired several rounds in the air. They set about 10 homes on fire, The Hindu quoted unidentified locals as saying.

Videos shared on social media showed several homes on fire.

Amid the unrest, several villagers fled to safer areas in the neighbouring Kangpokpi district, India Today reported. Tangkhul Naga villagers were also reported to have moved out.

The tensions in the district had been building since Saturday night after a Tangkhul Naga man was allegedly assaulted at Litan village. An attempt to resolve the matter through customary practices failed after a scheduled meeting between the complainant’s family and the chief of Litan Sareikhong village did not take place.

On Sunday, members of the two communities clashed at Litan, with persons from both sides throwing stones, officials said. This prompted the security forces to fire tear gas shells to disperse the groups.

Ukhrul District Magistrate Asish Das imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita on Sunday, citing apprehension of a breach of peace.

The orders that came into force from 7 pm on Sunday prohibited the movement of persons outside their...

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