Imphal: Two tribal groups engaged in intense stone pelting at Litan village in Ukhrul district of Manipur on Sunday evening, prompting the administration to clamp prohibitory orders, officials said. Tensions flared between the two communities following an assault of a Tangkhul man the previous night.Orders issued by Ukhrul district magistrate said there was apprehension of a breach of peace and public tranquillity at Litan village between members of the Tangkhul and Kuki communities.
Sources identified the victim as Starling Shimray (43) of Sikibung/Sharkaphung village, who was allegedly attacked by unidentified miscreants suspected to be from the Kuki community at Litan. He sustained jaw injuries and is currently receiving treatment in Imphal.Residents of Sikibung/Sharkaphung expressed anger over the incident and demanded the arrest of the perpetrators. By evening, youths from both villages began gathering and forming mobs, prompting police to fire teargas shells to disperse them.Fearing further escalation, district magistrate Asish Das issued the order under sub-section 1 of Section 163 of the BNSS, prohibiting the movement of any person outside their respective residences and any other act that may disturb the prevailing law and order in the area until further orders.Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), headquartered in Churachandpur of Manipur, on Sunday issued an advisory cautioning all state and central govt employees, as well as private employees belonging to the Kuki-Zo community, against travelling or accepting postings in Meitei-dominated areas at this time.The advisory was issued following the formation of the new BJP-led govt in the strife-torn north-eastern state.The conflict between the Kuki-Zo people and the Meiteis did not yet end, stated the KZC. “There is no political solution, no mutually agreed settlement, and no formal agreement in place to address the root causes of the conflict or to guarantee the safety and security of the Kuki-Zo people,” KZC said in a media release on Sunday, observing that the situation on the ground in Manipur remains fragile, tense, and unpredictable.With the installation of a new Meitei-led govt, KZC said, “There is a strong likelihood that employees may be directed or transferred to serve in Meitei-dominated areas. In this context, KZC strongly advises all employees — whether under the state govt, central govt, public sector undertakings, or private institutions — not to travel, report for duty, or accept postings in such areas, even if officially called upon or instructed to do so.”KZC said its advisory was issued “purely in the interest of safeguarding human life”. “Life is precious, and no official duty, posting, or administrative order is worth risking one’s safety at this critical juncture,” it said.
