Litan is a peaceful place located along National Highway 202 and inhabited by both Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. The place serves as a local trading hub especially for womenfolk from the neighbouring villages.
Police informed the violence was triggered by a drunken brawl on the evening of Saturday at Litan Sareikhong. During the altercation, one Tangkhul Naga man was allegedly assaulted and sustained serious injuries. He was later taken to RIMS Imphal for further medical treatment. The violence further escalated in the peaceful area late Sunday night.
To diffuse the situation, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Losii Dikho held a meeting at Litan Police Station with the CSOs of Tangkhul and Kuki on Monday.
The meeting was also attended by Ram Muivah (Ukhrul MLA), Kimneo Haokip Hangshing (Saikul MLA), President of Tangkhul Naga Long- Sword Vashum, President of Tangkhul Shanao Long –Thingreiphy Lungharwoshi and various Kuki leaders of Litan Sareikhong. The meeting also witnessed the participation of Hopingson A Shimray, Vice President BJP Manipur, Angam Kamei (IG), Ningshem Vashum (DIG), Asish Das, Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul and Luckyson N Kashung, Deputy Commissioner of Kamjong among others.
Interacting with media after the meeting, Deputy CM Losii Dikho stated that “the meeting was very fruitful and positive. Everyone wants peace. Because of the present situation, even now there is firing, so it is very difficult for us to come immediately to a solution but everyone agreed that we should immediately stop the violence.
“During the meeting, they have also requested the State Government to provide maximum security so that all the problems are taken care of. So that there is no violence no issue or tension.
“We need peace. Without peace we cannot move ahead. We have been facing this kind of problem in our state and a new problem has started between two communities. This is very very bad.
“However, the two communities are very positive and moving forward for building peace. The incident happened because of a few people and it is not a communal problem.”
“The Government will give our best. The security is very active. We have deployed sufficient security. And definitely, we will be able to control the situation” added Losii Dikho. He also assured that the government would give some assistance whose houses had been burnt down.
Sword Vashum, President of Tangkhul Naga Long stated that “we want peace but one should also acknowledge the owner of the land”.
Police informed that 24 houses – 21 houses belonging to Tangkhul Naga and 3 houses belonging to Kuki including a government quarter were burnt down on Sunday.
On Monday afternoon, miscreants burnt down 7 more houses again and blank fire of gunshots from different corners once again rocked the highway. Since all the occupants of the houses have deserted, one could not ascertain the owner of the house.
The streets looked empty with remains of the burns. The situation still looks very volatile. Fearing further escalation, residents have already abandoned their homes. Some villagers were seen leaving the area in trucks and on foot, carrying household utensils and whatever valuables they could salvage.
