Clashes Continue in Manipur, Internet Services Cut

Imphal: Communal clashes continue in Ukhrul district of Manipur between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities, and authorities have imposed prohibitory orders in the area. The government has suspended internet services in the district for five days as a precautionary measure.

The trouble began on Saturday in Litan Sareikhong village after a dispute involving a group of seven people allegedly attacking a member of the Tangkhul Naga community. Both sides initially agreed to try to resolve the disagreement through traditional discussions.

However, late Sunday night, a group of violent attackers set fire to houses in Litan Bazaar and government quarters. Reports say around 25 private homes and four government quarters were destroyed by fire. Ukhrul is a district with a majority Naga population.

The renewed clashes came six days after a new cabinet took office. For two years there has been ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur, which led to the imposition of President’s Rule. When the period of President’s Rule was about to end in February, a new state government came into power soon after which clashes involving the Naga community also began. Until now, Naga groups had largely stayed out of the ongoing conflict.

With the situation worsening, hundreds of villagers from Litan and Mangkot abandoned their homes and fled to safer areas, carrying what essentials they could many women and children left on foot or in trucks.

Security forces from both state and central units have been deployed in the conflict area. An indefinite curfew has been imposed in Litan village, and authorities say the internet suspension was done to prevent rumours and inflammatory material from spreading. Peace talks between leaders of both communities, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, were held on Monday.

The state was in President’s Rule from February 2025 onwards, while Biren Singh, who was second in the Congress cabinet and later joined the BJP and became Chief Minister. President’s Rule was imposed during his period of time. This was after the Kuki–Meitei riot.

Tried to exploit the divisiveness: the NDA government has let things slip out of its hands

The violence in Manipur erupted after the police crackdown on the Tribal Solidarity March organised in the hill districts on May 3, 2023. The divisiveness among tribals increased after the NDA government came into power for two consecutive terms. Clashes have become common as hatred has been spread and communities have been divided.

Protests began after the court verdict that gave the Meitei community ST reservation. Almost 260 people have been killed, which includes members of the Kuki and Meitei communities as well as security forces. Thousands of people have lost their homes.