Manipur on edge: Militants torch homes, 5-day internet blackout

Imphal (The Uttam Hindu) : The situation in Manipur's Ukhrul district has escalated following incidents of firing and arson by armed militants. Several vacant houses in the Litan Sariekhong area were set on fire, creating an atmosphere of panic in the area. The violence comes amid heightened tensions following an attack on a member of the Tangkhul Naga community.

Given the gravity of the situation, the state government has suspended internet services in Ukhrul district for five days. The administration stated that this step was taken as a precautionary measure to prevent rumors and further violence. A curfew has also been imposed throughout the district.

According to police officials, the incident occurred a day after two organizations of the Tangkhul Naga community announced restrictions on the movement of the Kuki community in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts. A senior police officer said armed men set fire to some vacant houses in Litan Sariekhong and opened fire. Security forces are trying to control the situation. As part of the internet shutdown order, broadband, VPN, and V-Sat services have also been temporarily suspended in the district's revenue area.

Meanwhile, locals fleeing their homes for safety have expressed anger at security forces for their alleged delay in stopping the violence in the area. Videos circulating on social media show fires and thick smoke spreading across the hilly area.

Women, children, and the elderly have been fleeing in large numbers from Litan Sreikhong and surrounding Kuki-dominated villages for the past two days. Many families have taken refuge in Motbung and parts of Saikul in the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district.

Manipur Minister Govindas Konthoujam said at least 21 houses had been burned so far and the situation remained tense. He said additional security forces had been deployed to control the situation and the administration was on full alert.