Imphal, Feb 10 (NationPress) In an effort to curb the rising violence, the government of Manipur has announced the suspension of internet services in two additional hill districts—Kangpokpi and Kamjong. These areas are adjacent to the unrest-affected Ukhrul district, according to official sources.

Reports indicate that new incidents of shooting and arson have emerged from Litan Sareikhong village in Ukhrul district, just a day after two Tangkhul Naga groups imposed restrictions on the movement of Kuki individuals in both Ukhrul and neighboring Kamjong districts.

Officials noted that armed individuals set fire to over eight houses, most of which were unoccupied, and discharged multiple rounds in Litan Sareikhong village.

In total, more than 30 houses and various properties have been destroyed in the village within the last 48 hours, following the alleged assault on a member of the Tangkhul Naga community by individuals from the Kuki community.

On Tuesday, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar issued a notification stating that the state government, after an assessment of the current law and order situation and its potential link with the operation of internet services, has decided to temporarily suspend internet and data services—including Broadband, VPN, and VSAT—in the entire revenue jurisdiction of Lhungtin Sub-Division of Kangpokpi District and Phungyar Sub-Division of Kamjong District for five days as a precautionary measure.

The atmosphere in the hilly regions remains tense, and law enforcement agencies are striving to restore order. Additional security personnel, including central paramilitary forces, have been dispatched to sensitive locations, as stated by a police officer.

The notification from the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) expressed concerns that the volatile situation in Ukhrul district may lead to the misuse of social media platforms by anti-social elements to share images, posts, and videos that could incite public unrest, severely impacting law and order.

In light of the current circumstances and its link with internet service operations, the state government has resolved to temporarily halt internet and data services, including broadband, VPN, and VSAT, in Ukhrul district for five days as a preventive measure, according to the notification.

According to a statement from Manipur Police, several houses were set ablaze by troublemakers the night before in the vicinity of Litan Sareikhong village.

To avert further violence, precautionary measures have been implemented, including a curfew and the deployment of adequate security forces in the affected areas.

While the situation remains tense, it has largely been brought under control, with a joint control room established at Litan Police Station to coordinate and execute urgent security operations and share information among the deployed forces.

Senior officers are stationed in the vicinity of Litan village, closely monitoring the ground situation, as per the police statement.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress has called for immediate action to restore peace and prevent further violence escalation. Congress Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh expressed deep concern regarding the alarming situation in Litan village, where fresh violence has erupted between the two communities.

“In a time when peace and mutual understanding are desperately needed, such incidents only deepen societal fear and uncertainty,” he stated.

Meghachandra Singh criticized the ongoing violence in Manipur, even after a new government was formed, labeling it as disgraceful and alarming, which raises serious doubts about the ability to maintain law and order.

“The overnight burning of houses in the Litan area—belonging to both Naga and Kuki-Zo communities—highlights the fragile nature of the situation. Violence does not discriminate; it only devastates lives, homes, and our shared future,” he urged the government to take decisive action to restore peace and safeguard citizens.

On Sunday evening and night, Naga and Kuki tribal factions engaged in intense stone-pelting at Litan village, prompting the district administration to impose prohibitory orders.

Law enforcement used tear gas to disperse the clashing groups. Ukhrul District Magistrate Asish Das, while enacting prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, indicated that credible reports suggested a likely breach of peace between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities at Litan village.

The order restricted people from leaving their residences and prohibited any activities that could disrupt law and order until further notice.

Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, a Naga leader, has been present in the troubled area since Sunday and has been conducting discussions with locals to ease tensions.

He also met with leaders of the Foothills Naga Coordinating Committee (FNCC) and the Joint Tribes Council (JTC) at his residence in Lamphel, alongside senior BJP leader L. Newmai.

An emergency meeting was convened on Monday with local residents at Litan Police Station to help restore regularity.

The Tangkhul tribe is the largest Naga community in Manipur, while Litan Sareikhong village is largely populated by members of the Kuki community.