UKHRUL: An altercation between occupants of two vehicles near Shangkai village along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road (NH-202) on Monday has led to the registration of an FIR, with differing versions emerging from the police and the Riha Village Authority.
According to the Superintendent of Police, Ukhrul, the Officer-in-Charge of Litan Police Station received information that at around 3:30 p.m, an ECO van carrying occupants from Mongkot Chepu village (Kuki community) and a Maruti Alto carrying occupants from Riha village were involved in a narrowly averted collision about 5 kilometres south-west of Litan Police Station. Police stated that the near collision was allegedly due to wrong-side driving by the Alto driver. A heated exchange reportedly followed, escalating into a scuffle in which occupants of both vehicles sustained injuries.
A suo moto FIR — Case No. 6(3)2026 LTN-PS under Sections 117/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — has been registered for investigation. Police said preventive security measures and intensified patrolling have been undertaken and urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or rumours.
Meanwhile, the Riha Village Authority, in a press statement, termed the incident a “brutal and unprovoked assault” on four residents of Riha village. The Authority stated that the minor vehicular misjudgment occurred due to sunlight reflection and a mechanical fault, and that the driver had apologised in good faith.
It alleged that the situation escalated after provocative communal remarks were made and claimed that around twenty suspected Kuki militants subsequently arrived and carried out a coordinated attack, causing multiple injuries and extensive damage to the vehicle. The Authority also alleged inaction by nearby central security forces.
Calling the incident “not merely an act of violence against individuals but a direct challenge to peaceful coexistence, the rule of law, and the fundamental rights of our people,” the Riha Village Authority demanded adequate security for safe movement of commuters, proper medical care and justice for the victims, deployment of responsible security forces to prevent recurrence, strict action against those spreading false narratives, and concrete steps to secure the area from armed miscreants.
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Stating that Riha village has always stood for peace and lawful conduct, the VA asserted there would be “no compromise whatsoever” until justice is delivered and the safety and dignity of its people are ensured. It urged the Government and concerned authorities to take immediate and decisive action to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Police have appealed to all communities to exercise restraint and maintain peace while the investigation is underway.