Uneasy calm hangs over Litan

Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, Feb 24 : Even as vehicular movement has been restored on the Ukhrul-Imphal highway via Litan Sareikhong village, tension continues to simmer in the area.
Reports indicated that there has been no dialogue between Kuki and Naga leaders regarding the ongoing land dispute.
Following the violent arson at Litan Sareikhong on February 8, many civilians are still reluctant to return to their homes, fearing potential provocation at any moment.
The Litan Sareikhong market area remains deserted, with security personnel now dominating the area.
In light of the volatile situation, substantial security forces, including the Army, State police, and CRPF, have been deployed to ensure the safety of civilians.
Although the situation in Litan and its neighbouring villages appears relatively calm, tensions remain high among the local population.
The women in the area are keeping a tight vigil, actively checking suspected individuals entering the village.
Meanwhile, the former president of Katho Z, Mashungmi stated that they want the Kuki to vacate the land for the betterment of both communities.
He described the Kuki as troublemakers in the region and added that the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) assembly has adopted a resolution, stating there will be no compromise on the Litan Sareikhong issue.
He urged neighbouring Kuki villages to respect the interests of the Katho villages.
According to villagers, over 101 structures were burned down during the recent violent arson at Litan Sareikhong, Ukhrul.
Among the destroyed buildings, 52 were houses (including seven shops) from the Tangkhul and non-local communities, 49 from the Kuki community, and four Government quarters.
Rockson, convener of the Litan Sareikhong Committee, said that around 600 Tangkhul individuals became homeless and are now living as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Currently, 250 villagers are housed at Litan Sareikhong relief camp.
The uncertainty weighs heavily on the minds of the villagers as both community leaders continue to stick to their positions.
To maintain peace and order, security forces have been deployed along a 20-25 km stretch from TM Kasom village to Mahadev area.
This includes units from the Assam Rifles, 8th Bihar Regiment, 7th Madras Regiment, J&K, 4th Mahar Regiment, State police, BSF, CRPF, and RAP, as well as Mahila components.
According to credible reports, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, along with the District Commissioner of Ukhrul, visited Sinakeithei village to assess the ground situation.