Guwahati: Fresh incidents of firing were reported from multiple locations in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Thursday, sparking tensions in an already volatile region.
According to police sources, the first exchange of fire occurred around 4 p.m. when suspected Kuki militants, reportedly armed with heavy weapons, attempted to enter Sirarakhong village, a Tangkhul Naga inhabited village. The entry was resisted by local village volunteers, leading to a brief gunfight that lasted about 10 minutes.
Subsequently, firing was reported from the Lungter hill range near Sinakeithei village around 5 p.m., both locations falling under Litan Police Station.Officials also confirmed gunfire from a third location, Mongket Chepu village, indicating a possible coordinated escalation.
A police official suspected the usage of automatic assault rifles as well as single-barrel weapons, though the identity of the groups involved is yet to be ascertained.
No casualties had been officially reported till late in the evening. Security forces have been placed on high alert, even as intermittent firing was reported from parts of the district.
Meanwhile, the village authority of Sinakeithei alleged that armed Kuki groups had opened fire from previously dismantled bunker positions targeting the settlement. The claim, however, could not be independently verified.
The incidents come against the backdrop of tensions between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities since February 7, when an altercation escalated into widespread clashes. More than 50 houses belonging to both communities were set ablaze in the aftermath.
A meeting involving senior political representatives and civil society groups had subsequently been held at Litan to de-escalate the situation, with a warning issued against attempts to instigate violence.Despite these efforts, the situation in parts of Ukhrul district continues to remain tense, with security forces closely monitoring developments.