Around 50 houses were burnt down in Litan village in Manipur’s Ukhrul district on Tuesday after fresh violence broke out between the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. Following the incident, authorities suspended internet services in the district for five days, officials said on Tuesday.

The violence reportedly escalated after clashes between the two groups, during which heavy firing took place in areas surrounding Litan village. Officials said heavy security has been deployed in the region to control the situation and restore peace.

According to officials, the internet shutdown was ordered by the Manipur home department after concerns that anti-social elements could use social media to spread provocative content and worsen the situation. A prohibition order was issued to suspend internet services for five days in the Ukhrul district.

The order stated, “as per report from a reliable source, there is an apprehension that could lead to breach of peace and public tranquillity at Litan village between the two community i.e. Tangkhul and Kuki.”

However, despite the prohibition order, more violence was reported during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. Unidentified suspects allegedly torched more than 18 houses in the surrounding areas. Officials said the total number of burnt houses increased to around 50 by Tuesday morning.

Officials also confirmed that there was a heavy exchange of fire between the two communities in nearby areas. To prevent further escalation, security forces have been deployed in large numbers to stabilise the situation.

The Manipur government said the decision to temporarily suspend internet services was taken after receiving a request from the district magistrate. The district magistrate, in his letter to the commissioner (home), Manipur government, explained that the situation had become serious and required urgent action.

The letter stated, “Recent developments in the district have resulted in significant disturbances, which pose a threat to public safety and peace. To effectively manage the situation and prevent the spread of misinformation that could exacerbate tension, it is imperative to temporarily suspend internet services with immediate effect in the district.”

Meanwhile, a separate incident was also reported in Kangpokpi district. Officials said a minor firing incident occurred in K Lungwiram village, which caused partial damage to a residential house. Security forces from nearby areas reached the spot immediately and brought the situation under control.

Officials said the cause of the incident is being investigated, and they added that the overall situation remains normal in the area.

The Konsaram Village Authority (KVA) condemned the incident and appealed to both the State and Central governments for immediate action. The village authority requested the deployment of security forces, relief measures, and strict steps to restore law and order.

At the same time, police issued a statement to address rumours circulating on social media regarding villagers fleeing the area after the Litan violence.

The police said, “Rumours circulating on social media claiming that Konshakhul residents fled to Kanto Sabal, Imphal West district after the Litan incident are false.”

They further clarified that no mass movement of villagers had taken place. The statement added, “No villagers have moved out, except for a few students and families who have sought temporary rental accommodation due to the start of the new school session,” and urged people not to believe or spread misinformation.

Police also appealed to the public to remain cautious and avoid forwarding rumours that could further worsen tensions.

Officials continue to monitor the situation closely as security forces remain stationed in and around the affected areas to prevent further violence.