Why do the Kuki target us when we are not part of the conflict – this question still lingers in the mind of the Headman of Litan. His family escaped a horrific life attempt on Sunday night.
Litan Village having Touzi No. 36 is a revenue village recorded at the office of SDO Ukhrul. Litan Sareikhong Touzi No. 35 is also another revenue village in the district of Ukhrul. Khanringpam Vashum son of (Late) Deepak Vashum is the present Headman of Litan – a Naga Village.
For more than 70 years, they have been living peacefully at Litan – a Tangkhul Naga village. (Late) Deepak Vashum, Headman of Litan passed away and his son Khanringpam Vashum was coronated as the Village Headman of Litan on 1 February 2025.
“We were already in bed. Suddenly a petrol bomb exploded on the roof of our house followed by a burst of gunfire. Fearing for our life we ran for safety. While crossing the river my mother and sister sprained their ankle” narrated Khanringpam Vashum.
Headman of Litan, Khanringpam Vashum stated that, “the incident happened between individuals from two neighboring villages. Litan was never part of the conflict, but I don’t know why the Kuki attacked us. I never imagined that the Kuki would attack us, because I was never part of the conflict.”
Their dwelling house is completely razed to ashes. Three vehicles and a motorbike and other properties were all consumed by the fire. “We left with nothing but our life. I am still in shocked” stated Lugang Vashum wife of (Late) Deepak Vashum, Headman of Litan village.
The incident has left the Headman of Litan homeless. He along with his mother and sister are taking shelters at one of their relative house at Ukhrul Headquarters.
The District Administration has already promulgated “Prohibitory Order” in the whole area of Litan on 8 February 2026. Even after promulgation of such prohibitory order and security forces being deployed in the vicinity, the ugly incident happened, leaving many Naga and Kuki families homeless.
Out of fear, everyone at the Litan Sareikhong has left their homes in different directions. The District Administration has appealed to the “displaced family” to report to the Nodal Officer at First Floor, Room No. 211(E) Mini Secretariat Complex, Ukhrul for arranging immediate and emergency assistance.
