Clashes in Litan, Ukhrul District.
Since early February 2026, violent clashes and arson incidents have occurred in Litan and surrounding areas of Ukhrul district in Manipur. The unrest involved members of two ethnic communities the Tangkhul Naga and the Kuki community and has led to loss of property, displacement of residents, and efforts by authorities to restore order.
According to official reports, violence erupted late on Sunday, February 8, 2026, when large groups reportedly set fire to residences and government quarters in and around Litan Bazar. Police and security agencies responded, and residents from both communities began to flee the area due to fears of further escalation.
As of the latest verified reports: Multiple houses and government quarters have been burnt in Litan and nearby areas with estimates varying but in the dozens.
Initial damage assessments indicated at least 25 houses and four official quarters were damaged.
Security and local officials confirmed that both Tangkhul and Kuki families sustained losses, though the majority of visibly destroyed homes initially reported belonged to the Tangkhul community.
The exact cause and sequence of individual arson acts remain under investigation, with local police continuing to assess damage and interview witnesses.
In response to the violence, the district administration imposed a curfew in Litan village and adjacent localities to prevent further clashes and maintain public safety.
Authorities also suspended internet and data services in Ukhrul district for several days as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content.
The Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Assam Rifles, and other security personnel were deployed to key entry points and within the district to stabilize the situation and assist civil authorities.
Police have warned against spreading unverified information that could inflame tensions and announced intent to pursue legal action against those sharing misinformation on social media.
Religious and civil organisations have publicly appealed for calm: The Kuki Christian Church (KCC) released a statement expressing concern about the house burnings and urged both Kuki and Tangkhul communities to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Civil society groups, including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), described the violence as part of a broader pattern of tension rather than an isolated incident and called for peaceful resolution and protective measures for civilians.
These appeals underline the importance of dialogue and reconciliation alongside law enforcement efforts to restore peace.
While the immediate triggers of the February clashes relate to a localized incident and alleged altercations between individuals of the two communities, the region has a longer history of ethnic tension involving land rights, political representation, and community security. Groups from both communities have had periodic disagreements in past years, but authorities emphasize that the recent violence represents a distinct outbreak linked to recent incidents and escalations.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring developments and urging residents to comply with prohibitory orders and curfew directives. International and national human rights and reporting groups are watching the situation for developments due to its potential impact on civil stability in northeastern India.
Clashes and arson occurred in Litan and surrounding parts of Ukhrul district affecting both Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. Homes and properties were set ablaze, prompting displacement and fear among local residents. Security forces and paramilitary units were deployed, and curfew plus internet suspension were ordered by authorities. Community leaders and civil groups have publicly appealed for calm and dialogue. Investigations and assessments continue, with official efforts to stem violence and misinformation.
According to official reports, violence erupted late on Sunday, February 8, 2026, when large groups reportedly set fire to residences and government quarters in and around Litan Bazar. Police and security agencies responded, and residents from both communities began to flee the area due to fears of further escalation.
As of the latest verified reports: Multiple houses and government quarters have been burnt in Litan and nearby areas with estimates varying but in the dozens.
Initial damage assessments indicated at least 25 houses and four official quarters were damaged.
Security and local officials confirmed that both Tangkhul and Kuki families sustained losses, though the majority of visibly destroyed homes initially reported belonged to the Tangkhul community.
The exact cause and sequence of individual arson acts remain under investigation, with local police continuing to assess damage and interview witnesses.
In response to the violence, the district administration imposed a curfew in Litan village and adjacent localities to prevent further clashes and maintain public safety.
Authorities also suspended internet and data services in Ukhrul district for several days as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content.
The Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Assam Rifles, and other security personnel were deployed to key entry points and within the district to stabilize the situation and assist civil authorities.
Police have warned against spreading unverified information that could inflame tensions and announced intent to pursue legal action against those sharing misinformation on social media.
Religious and civil organisations have publicly appealed for calm: The Kuki Christian Church (KCC) released a statement expressing concern about the house burnings and urged both Kuki and Tangkhul communities to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Civil society groups, including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), described the violence as part of a broader pattern of tension rather than an isolated incident and called for peaceful resolution and protective measures for civilians.
These appeals underline the importance of dialogue and reconciliation alongside law enforcement efforts to restore peace.
While the immediate triggers of the February clashes relate to a localized incident and alleged altercations between individuals of the two communities, the region has a longer history of ethnic tension involving land rights, political representation, and community security. Groups from both communities have had periodic disagreements in past years, but authorities emphasize that the recent violence represents a distinct outbreak linked to recent incidents and escalations.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring developments and urging residents to comply with prohibitory orders and curfew directives. International and national human rights and reporting groups are watching the situation for developments due to its potential impact on civil stability in northeastern India.
Clashes and arson occurred in Litan and surrounding parts of Ukhrul district affecting both Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. Homes and properties were set ablaze, prompting displacement and fear among local residents. Security forces and paramilitary units were deployed, and curfew plus internet suspension were ordered by authorities. Community leaders and civil groups have publicly appealed for calm and dialogue. Investigations and assessments continue, with official efforts to stem violence and misinformation.
