For third day on the trot Litan burns as more houses go up in flames

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 10: At least 23 more houses have been burnt down at Litan as clashes between members of Naga and Kuki communities continued for the third consecutive day at the Ukhrul district village today.
Gunfights between unknown groups in the area have been reported, and so far, over 50 houses have been burnt in the clash since Sunday night.
No deaths have been reported so far in the clash.
Fearing further escalation, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has declared a state of emergency in Ukhrul district urging the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution. Curfew is still imposed in the area.
Reliable sources said at least four houses were burnt down by unidentified persons at Litan at around 6.30 am, followed by a gunfight in the area between unknown groups.
The sources said many rounds of shots were  fired using automatic assault rifles from Sareikhong village.
The gunfight took place despite the presence of strong security forces in the area. More houses were burnt at Litan at noon.
The sources said security forces had a "hard time" controlling the situation.
Members of both the communities confronted security forces deployed at different locations in Litan and surrounding areas.
When the gunfight subsided in the afternoon, security forces scanned the area using a helicopter.
Massive search operations are ongoing at Litan and surrounding villages to arrest those involved  in the clash and control the situation, added the sources.
Security forces have blocked vehicular access to Litan and Imphal-Ukhrul road has been blocked.
At the time of writing this report, the situation in Litan was said to be "under control" with additional security forces including personnel of the Para Commandos, 8 Bihar Regiment and Rapid Action Force (RAF) rushed to ground zero to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, two Naga people including a minor left stranded at Lamlai Chingphei Kuki village, under Litan police station, have been rescued by security forces, said the police.
The rescued individuals have been identified as Chihanso Keishing (26) and Kanambuan Golmei (17).
The two individuals were left stranded at the village after their truck broke down. They have been brought back safely to Yaingang-pokpi police station, added the police.
The situation at Litan remains tense and sensitive.
The violent clash erupted a day after a Tangkhul youth was allegedly assaulted by some members of Kuki community on Saturday night.