Update on violence in Manipur Ukhrul, February 10, 2026: As tensions between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki-Zo escalate, more shooting and arson have been reported in Litan Sareikhong. Amid worries of a wider ethnic war, more than 30 homes were set on fire, the internet was blocked, and curfews were enforced. Updates on clashes in Manipur.
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| Security personnel deployed after suspected militants allegedly torched several houses, in Ukhrul district of Manipur on February 9, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI |
On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Tangkhul Naga communities entered its third day, destroying the already shaky peace in Manipur's hill districts once more. In the Litan Sareikhong neighborhood of Ukhrul district, reports surfaced of armed miscreants setting fire to more homes and shooting bullets. This caused terrified locals to flee, and officials suspended internet connections for five days.
Concerns regarding the rise of a new fault line in Manipur's long-simmering ethnic tensions have been raised by this most recent flare-up in the Naga-majority Ukhrul district. Although Meitei-Kuki confrontations have been a problem for the state since May 2023, this episode represents a risky escalation involving the Naga population that could lead to a wider conflict.
Why Did the Violence Start?
According to officials, the conflict started on the evening of February 7, 2026, when members of the two communities got into a drunken fight at Litan, a tiny village halfway between Imphal and Ukhrul town. A gang of Kuki-Zo people allegedly attacked a Tangkhul Naga man, which angered the Naga side.
By the evening of Sunday, February 9, revenge attacks had become violent. Along with specific government buildings, suspected rebels set fire to dozens of homes, the most of which belonged to the Tangkhul Naga community. At least 20 to 28 homes were set on fire that evening, according to locals and police sources, and there have been videos going around that purport to show armed gangs involved.
Day Three: New Gunfire and Arson
The disturbances continued into Tuesday morning despite a strong security presence. According to locals, nine or ten more abandoned houses were set on fire, and there was occasional shooting intended to scare the villagers away. Many families fled to safer nearby districts like Kangpokpi, leaving the area's roads empty.
More than 30 to 35 buildings from both neighborhoods have been turned to ashes since Sunday, although the exact number of homes burned on Tuesday is still being confirmed, a police spokesman informed reporters. Although there were no recorded injuries in the most recent incidents, locals described living in continual anxiety, indicating the enormous psychological toll.
To combat misinformation and stop additional social media mobilization, the Manipur government responded by suspending broadband, mobile internet, and other services throughout the Ukhrul district for five days.
Community Reactions and Limitations
The Naga organizations responded quickly to the violence. Citing safety concerns, two well-known Tangkhul factions, Katho Long and Katho Katamnao Long, restricted Kuki travel in Ukhrul and the nearby Kamjong districts.
Security personnel have been patrolling areas at risk and holding flag marches on the ground. Columns of the Army and Assam Rifles were hurried in to support the local police.
More Widely: The Constant Injuries in Manipur
The unsolved ethnic conflict in Manipur is the context for this tragedy. Communities remained mostly separated after the Meitei-Kuki conflict of 2023, which resulted in thousands of displaced people and over 260 deaths. The third main group might be drawn in by the Nagas' involvement, which would make peace efforts more difficult.
Experts fear that these conflicts have been made worse by underlying problems such as resource competitiveness, land disputes, and old grievances. Although Litan has always been a mixed community, recent changes in the population and suspicion have made people more sensitive.
The Deputy Chief Minister and local leaders have urged customary resolution through village authority and called for dialogue. Investigations are being conducted to find the offenders after a formal complaint was filed.
What Will Be Ukhrul's Future?
When curfews and internet blackouts continue, everyday life is still immobilized. Schools are shuttered, transportation suffers, and markets are closed. Carrying what they can to relief camps or relatives' homes, many villagers have abandoned homes.
Both sides' civil society organizations have denounced the violence and called for moderation. However, rebuilding trust will be difficult given the alleged involvement of armed groups.
Managing this spillover will be a test for Manipur's new government, led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. In order to keep Ukhrul from turning into another hot spot, peace negotiations and steps to boost confidence are desperately needed.
REAL BREAKING NEWS keeps a careful eye on developments. Although the situation is currently under control, it is however tense; one mistake might spark wider turmoil. In order to rebuild their homes and lives, the locals simply want calm to return. For real-time updates on this developing story, stay tuned. Stories like these serve as a reminder of how precious the healing process is, and Manipur deserves it.
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