Manipur’s Ukhrul tense after night of arson

Tension rises in Manipur's Ukhrul district after arson incidents, prompting Deputy Chief Minister's visit to restore peace.

Tension in the Litan area of Manipur’s Ukhrul district escalated with arson incidents reported late on Sunday (February 8, 2026) night.

Some villagers belonging to the Kuki-Zo and Naga communities defied prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to set fire to each other’s houses. There were reports of armed Kuki groups being involved in some areas.

“There were some cases of arson at night, but the situation is now under control. The security forces are trying to restore law and order,” Ukhrul’s District Magistrate Asish Das told The Hindu on Monday (February 9, 2026).

“We have been communicating with the leaders of both groups to sort the issue out across the table,” he said.

Mr. Das also said that Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho was scheduled to visit the trouble-torn Litan area to help restore normalcy.

Trouble in the Litan area, a Kuki-Zo pocket in the Tangkhul Naga-dominated Ukhrul district, began after a Kuki group allegedly assaulted a Tangkhul on Saturday (February 7, 2026) night. Litan is midway between Ukhrul, the district headquarters, and Manipur’s capital, Imphal.