Ukhrul: A thick cloud of tension and smoke has settled over Manipur’s Naga-majority Ukhrul district as violent clashes between the Kuki-Zo and Naga tribal communities entered their third day. In a desperate bid to “curb the spread of inflammatory content and restore order”, the state government has cut all digital lifelines, imposing a total internet suspension for the next five days.
Villagers abandoning their ancestral homes in Ukhrul
The conflict, which reportedly ignited following an assault on Saturday night, reached a fever pitch on Tuesday morning. Armed miscreants descended upon the Litan and Sareikhong areas, strategically located between the state capital, Imphal, and the district headquarters, unleashing a wave of arson and gunfire.
While initial reports estimated 21 houses had been destroyed, updated figures now suggest that over 30 homes have been torched. The residents reported that armed men opened fire during the raids, a move officials believe was intended to frighten villagers into fleeing. The fresh violence in the region has triggered a mass exodus from the conflict zones, with hundreds of villagers abandoning their ancestral homes in search of safer places.
All internet services snappped
Citing the role of social media in fueling communal passions, N Ashok Kumar, Manipur’s Home Commissioner-cum-Secretary, issued a sweeping order effective from 11:30 am Tuesday. The directive suspends all data services, including broadband, VPN, and VSAT, across the entire revenue jurisdiction of Ukhrul.
The government stated the blackout is a “preventive and precautionary measure” to stop “anti-social elements” from transmitting images and video messages that could incite further public fury.
“In view of the volatile law and order situation in Ukhrul District, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, posts and video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions on the law-and-order situation in the State of Manipur. The State Government, after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation and its possible co-relation with the general operation of internet services, decided to order for temporary suspension/curbing of internet/data services including services through Broadband, VPN and VSAT in the whole revenue jurisdiction of Ukhrul District for 5(five) day as preventive and precautionary measure,” the government order reads.
A logistics and security crisis
The violence has blocked the major roadway connecting Ukhrul to the Imphal Valley. This route is an important alternative to National Highways, where movement has already been restricted by Kuki-Zo extremist groups.
To bypass the dangerous road blockades, the state government has organised emergency helicopter sorties between Imphal and Ukhrul to ensure the movement of people and essential personnel.
Diplomatic and military intervention
Despite the enforcement of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (prohibitory orders) and the deployment of several companies of the Central armed forces, the situation remains volatile.
A high-level team of legislators, led by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, visited the Litan area to assess the devastation. The delegation held urgent meetings with leaders from both the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities, pleading for restraint and a return to dialogue.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has issued a public appeal, urging both communities to prioritise harmony and end the cycle of violence.