UKHRUL: A day after the Thawai (Thoyee) Village Authority opposed the entry of security forces into its village jurisdiction for operations—citing alleged unjust treatment and failure to address the presence of “illegal Kuki immigrants” involved in unlawful activities—fresh incidents of firing were reported from the eastern side of Ukhrul district on Sunday evening.
According to reports, firing broke out simultaneously in Thawai and Sharkaphung villages at around 6:20 pm, triggering panic among residents.
Sources said, a thermal drone was reportedly sighted over Thoyee village during the initial phase of the firing. Ground reports indicated that more than 100 rounds were fired at Thoyee, while comparatively lesser firing was reported from Sharkaphung.
Also read Thawai Village Opposes Entry of Security Forces, Cites ‘Unjust’ Treatment
After a brief lull, intense gunfire resumed at around 8:30 pm and again at approximately 9:30 pm on Sunday night. Sources further stated that the later rounds of firing were directed from the direction of Shangkai village towards Thoyee.
Another round of firing was reported at around 10:00 pm, to which Thoyee village volunteers reportedly responded.
Firing was reported from both sides from as early as 5:00 am on Monday and continued till the time of filing this report, indicating a tense situation in the Litan area of Ukhrul district, despite the presence of Security Forces.
Sources in Litan stated that automatic rifle fire was heard from the direction of Mongkot Chepu village, located just across the river at around 11:15 am on Monday.
Meanwhile, villagers of Thawai (Thoyee) continued to oppose the entry of security forces into their jurisdiction, reiterating the decision of the Village Authority which declared that no external forces would be permitted until the situation is suitably resolved. The Village Authority has cited “unjust” treatment and raised concerns over the handling of the situation.
Security forces, including the Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been deployed in Thawai village.
However, there were no reports of security forces entering Shangkai village, from where multiple rounds of firing have been reported. Further updates are awaited.
Also read Tangkhul Villages: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Distribution and Heritage
It may be added that a massive storm is brewing in the Litan area, where the entire stretch of National Highway-202 between Shangkai and Mongkot Chephu Kuki villages, spanning around 10 kilometres, remains completely shut, with authorities unable to ensure its full reopening.