Steps on to restore normalcy at Litan : Dikho

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 10 : The State Government is taking up all necessary measures including deployment of a large number of security forces to bring the situation at Litan under control, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho said today.
To prevent further escalation and unwanted things from happening, additional security forces have been rushed to Litan. The Chief Minister himself may visit Litan in the coming days, and this is being discussed, he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said these at an event held at Imphal Hotel, North AOC, to welcome him.
The Naga People's Front (NPF) MLA was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister on February 4.
Speaking at the function, Losii Dikho said the situation at Litan is tense but the violence has subsided after deployment of the additional security forces.
Dikho said there is suspicion that some elements are intentionally inciting the violence and causing unrest.
The State Government is taking up measures to identify such elements and arrest them, he added.
The Government is actively engaging with leaders of both Naga and Kuki communities to resolve the issue and foster peace, he said.
Dikho said he has visited Litan and met with stakeholders consisting of leaders of both communities to prevent further escalation in the violence and foster peace.
The Government is taking up proactive measures. A possible Chief Minister's visit to Litan in the coming days is being discussed, Dikho said.
While the State Government is taking up necessary measures, members of both the communities must exercise restraint and maintain calm to curb violence and restore normalcy, he said.
The felicitation function organised by the NPF Manipur State Unit was attended by its president Awangbow Newmai, MLA K Leishiyo, MLA Ram Muivah, MLA Khasim Vasum, ex-MLAs, party office bearers, and members of United Naga Council and several Naga bodies.
The violent clashes between Naga and Kuki communities at Ukhrul's Litan erupted on Saturday evening (February 7) after a Tangkhul youth was allegedly assaulted by members of the Kuki community a day before.
More than 50 houses have been burnt at Litan in the violent clash since February 7 evening.