Dy CM, MLAs rush to Litan, talk with community leaders

OSR/Correspondent 
IMPHAL, Feb 9: Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Saikul MLA Kimneo Hangshing and Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah today rushed to Litan and made an assessment of the tense situation which has gripped the area since the last couple of days.
The situation aggravated last night when more than 20 houses were burnt down.
According to police reports, at least 25 homes, including four Government quarters, were burnt down by armed miscreants between 11.30 pm and midnight on Sunday.
Of the affected residences, 17 belonged to Tangkhul families and four were owned by Kukis.
During the arson, three vehicles—including a Government Gypsy—were also set ablaze by the miscreants.
During the incident, one VDF personnel was injured on the head and the Officer-in- Charge of Litan police station on the chest from stone pelting by miscreants.
Upon arrival, Deputy Chief Minister Dikho convened a high-level meeting to deliberate on the issue at Litan police station.
The meeting was also attended by MLA Kimneo Hangshing, MLA Ram Muivah, Ukhrul DC Asish Das and the presidents of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL).
Representatives from the security forces included Brigadier Dipankar Saha, DIG, Border Security Force (BSF); Inspector General of Police Kamei Angam Romanus; Deputy Inspector General of Police Ningshem Vashum; Superintendent of Police, Ukhrul; and leaders of civil society organisations from both communities.
Even as the Deputy Chief Minister was presiding over the high-level meeting, around four houses were set on fire.
This forced the security forces to fire several rounds of bullets to disperse the mob but the situation remains very tense and highly volatile, said the sources.    
Speaking to media persons, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho described the discussion as very fruitful and positive, emphasising that all stakeholders were committed to restoring peace.
“Everyone wants peace. However, given the current situation, with sporadic firing still being reported, it is difficult to reach an immediate conclusion. Despite this, all parties agreed that the violence must stop immediately,” Dikho stated.
He further noted that representatives from both communities requested the State Government to deploy maximum security to prevent any further deterioration of the situation. “Once there is no violence, no tension, and no issue, we can move forward quickly,” he added.
Regarding the extent of the damage, Dikho said assessments were ongoing.
“As of now, we estimate that more than 20 houses have been burnt. The Government has assured that assistance will be considered for those affected,” he said.
Appealing for peace, the Deputy Chief Minister stressed that the incident should not be viewed as a communal issue. “This is not a conflict between communities. It happened because of a few individuals, and unfortunately, it spread. That is very bad,” he remarked.
On the question of arrests, Dikho said action would be taken against those involved. “They are our own youths. Some were intoxicated and may have fled. But action will be taken. Why should anyone be allowed to create such problems?” he stated.
“We need peace. Without peace, how can we look forward? The State has been already facing such problems for the past few years. Now a fresh problem has erupted between two communities. This is very bad for our State”, Losii Dikho said.
He also said that adequate security forces have been deployed in the area.  
The Deputy Chief Minister also met Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at Imphal to brief him on the ground situation.
During the meeting, Khemchand assured that utmost efforts would be made to restore peace and understanding between the communities.
He also urged members of both communities to exercise restraint and avoid further provocation.
Meanwhile, local residents have strongly condemned the serious security lapse, criticising the security forces for remaining mere spectators instead of intervening and taking action against the miscreants.
In addition two more fire tenders being stationed in the Litan area, reinforcements have been dispatched from Imphal to help control the situation.
On the other hand, security measures have been tightened in and around Litan area as well as the roads leading toward Litan from Ukhrul and Imphal.
Vehicles coming from both the directions have been prevented from crossing Litan so as to avoid any further unwanted incidents.
Meanwhile, the National People’s Women Front (NPWF) has strongly condemned the acts of arson committed by some individuals at Litan last night.
Saying that violence and destruction will never bring a solution to any problem, a press release issued by NPWF Manipur has appealed to all communities, specially Tangkhuls and Kukis to maintain peace, restraint and unity during this sensitive time.