Arson, gunfire, and mass displacement have turned Litan into Manipur’s latest flashpoint, prompting sweeping emergency measures by the state government.
BY PC Bureau
February 10, 2026 — The Manipur government has ordered a complete suspension of internet services, including mobile data, broadband, VPN, and VSAT connections, across Ukhrul district for five days, effective immediately from February 10.
The measure, issued under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, aims to prevent the spread of inflammatory messages, rumours, and provocative content on social media that could further escalate violence and disrupt public order.
Authorities cited the volatile security situation, particularly in the Litan area, where recent clashes between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo communities have resulted in widespread arson, gunfire, and displacement. All internet service providers have been directed to comply strictly with the order, with warnings of legal action in case of violations.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police said a minor fire incident was reported at around 12:10 a.m. on February 10 in K. Lungwiram village, causing partial damage to a residential house. Security forces deployed in the area responded swiftly, reached the spot, and brought the fire under control. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the overall situation remains normal, police added.
The Konsaram Village Authority (KVA) condemned the incident and appealed to the state and central governments for immediate security deployment, relief assistance, and firm measures to restore law and order. District police officials have since engaged with villagers and assured them of peace and tranquillity.
Police also dismissed social media rumours claiming that residents of Konshakhul village fled to Kanto Sabal after the Litan violence, clarifying that no mass displacement has occurred. Only a few students and families have temporarily shifted to rented accommodation due to the start of the new academic session.
Situation Remains Tense
As of Tuesday, February 10, the Litan Sareikhong area continues to witness heightened tension, with violence entering its third consecutive day. Fresh reports emerged this morning of alleged gunfire and additional arson incidents, despite heavy deployment of security forces and repeated appeals for calm by state authorities.
Overnight, several abandoned houses were torched, and shots were reportedly fired in nearby areas, triggering panic among residents. Police confirmed that the situation remains highly volatile, with cross-firing reported along nearby hill ranges, including the Mangkot–Chefu belt.
At least 24 to 30 houses, including some government quarters, along with vehicles and public properties, have been damaged or destroyed since the violence intensified on the night of Sunday, February 8. Many residents from Litan and adjoining villages such as Mangkot and Sikibung have fled to safer locations.
Massive Security Deployment, Curfew in Force
Security forces, including the BSF, RAF, CRPF, and Assam Rifles, have been deployed in large numbers along the Imphal–Ukhrul road and in vulnerable villages. Curfew and prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita remain in force in Litan and surrounding areas, restricting movement and gatherings to prevent further escalation.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho visited the affected areas on Monday, reviewed the ground situation, held discussions with community leaders, and appealed for restraint. He assured that those involved in arson and violence would be arrested.
Cabinet Minister Govindas Konthoujam described the situation as “very volatile” but said the government was taking all necessary steps through security reinforcement and dialogue.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh appealed for peace, harmony, and restraint, while also visiting injured persons undergoing treatment at a hospital.
No confirmed fatalities have been reported so far, though several injuries due to stone-pelting and clashes have been recorded.
The violence can be traced to Saturday evening, February 7, when a physical altercation broke out in Litan Sareikhong village. A Tangkhul Naga man, identified as AS Sterling (also known as Sterling Shimray) of nearby Sarkaphung/Sharkaphung village, was allegedly assaulted by a group of Kuki men following a minor dispute involving a torchlight incident. He was later shifted to a hospital in Imphal.
Fresh violence erupted in Litan when Tangkhul NSCN IM attempted to intrude Mongkot Chepu a neighbouring Kuki village in the presence of tight Security forces. Yesterday peace talk was just a dual track approach adopted by Tangkhul in the 90s. @rlungleng @ashang_kasar pic.twitter.com/Nx0VAjibln
— KUKI HILLS (@Nampi_Romeokuki) February 10, 2026
Tensions escalated on Sunday, February 8, when Naga villagers demanded that the alleged assailants be handed over. This led to stone-pelting between groups from both communities, which rapidly spiralled into arson and armed violence.
READ: Analysis | The Silence of Power: When Kuki-Zo Leadership Failed Litan
By nightfall, miscreants — allegedly including armed individuals in camouflage — torched houses, primarily belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community, with retaliatory attacks targeting Kuki properties. The violence continued overnight despite the imposition of prohibitory orders earlier that day.
Litan Sareikhong is a Kuki-Zo pocket within the predominantly Tangkhul Naga-dominated Ukhrul district, making the area especially sensitive amid Manipur’s fragile ethnic landscape.
9/2/2026
Kuki Burning Tangkhul Naga House at Litan Ukhrul, Manipur. pic.twitter.com/9e4lI6bSMa— 𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐌𝐀𝐈 𝐏⭕𝐒𝐓 (@LIANGMAIPOST) February 8, 2026
Manipur has witnessed recurring ethnic violence since May 2023, particularly involving the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki-Zo communities, leading to hundreds of deaths, mass displacement, and repeated security clampdowns. Internet shutdowns and curfews have become frequent tools to curb misinformation-driven violence.
The current unrest in Ukhrul once again highlights the fragility of peace in Manipur’s hill districts, where land disputes, historical grievances, and ethnic fault lines continue to fuel conflict.
Officials said the situation is under constant review, with community leaders from both sides engaged in dialogue to restore calm. The internet suspension is expected to remain in force until February 15, 2026, unless extended.
Residents have been urged to cooperate with authorities and refrain from circulating unverified information.
