FRESH violence broke out in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Monday afternoon after armed miscreants allegedly set fire to more houses in Litan Sareikhong village, officials said. Armed groups also fired several rounds in the air in the vicinity of the hill village, forcing residents to flee with essential belongings to safer areas in neighbouring Kangpokpi district. Several Tangkhul villagers were also reported to have left the area.

 

Violence first started in the area on Saturday night after a Tangkhul Naga community member was allegedly assaulted by seven to eight persons at Litan village. The matter was settled by the victim’s side and the chief of Litan Sareikhong, and both parties mutually agreed to resolve the issue through customary means, with a meeting scheduled for Sunday, officials said. However, the meeting did not take place. Instead, a group of villagers from nearby Sikibung allegedly launched an attack on the residence of the chief of Litan Sareikhong, they said. The villagers also fired several rounds while passing through the vicinity of Litan police station.