#JUSTIN: Manipur Suspends Internet in Ukhrul After Fresh Naga-Kuki Clashes and House Burnings
Manipur govt suspends internet in Ukhrul district for 5 days amid fresh Naga-Kuki violence and arson.
The Manipur Government on Tuesday suspended internet and data services in Ukhrul district for five days following fresh outbreaks of violence between Naga and Kuki communities. The decision was taken amid reports of firing, arson, and growing tension in the hill district, particularly around Litan Sareikhong village.
According to police officials, armed miscreants set fire to more than eight houses, mostly abandoned, and fired several rounds in and around Litan Sareikhong village. Over the past 48 hours, more than 30 houses and other properties have been destroyed following the alleged assault of a member of the Tangkhul Naga community by Kuki community members.
The situation escalated after two Tangkhul Naga organisations reportedly restricted the movement of Kuki people in Ukhrul and neighbouring Kamjong districts. Security officials said the mountainous terrain remains tense, prompting the deployment of additional forces, including central paramilitary personnel, to prevent further violence.
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In a notification, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar said the internet suspension was imposed as a preventive measure. The government cited concerns that anti-social elements could misuse social media platforms to circulate provocative content capable of inflaming public sentiment and worsening the law-and-order situation.
Manipur Police said preventive steps, including curfew orders, enhanced patrolling, and the establishment of a joint control room at Litan Police Station, have been undertaken. Senior officers are camping in the affected areas to closely monitor developments, and authorities claim the situation, though tense, has largely been brought under control.
Meanwhile, the opposition Congress demanded immediate and decisive action to restore peace. Congress Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh termed the violence alarming and criticised the government’s failure to maintain law and order, warning that continued unrest threatens lives, homes, and communal harmony.
On Sunday night, intense stone-pelting between Naga and Kuki groups prompted the imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, a senior Naga leader, has been camping in the area and holding meetings with community leaders and residents in an effort to defuse tensions and restore normalcy.
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