Fresh Ethnic Tensions in Ukhrul Prompt Evacuation of 51 Students
A total of 51 students belonging to the Kuki-Zo community were safely evacuated from different locations in Manipur’s Ukhrul district following renewed ethnic tensions in the area.
Officials said the evacuation was carried out as a precautionary measure after violence was reported in Litan and adjoining areas between February 7 and 13. The unrest was reportedly triggered by an altercation involving individuals from the Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities, during which more than 50 houses were allegedly set ablaze.
Students Shifted Ahead of Board Exams
The evacuated group included:
- 20 female students from the 40 Assam Rifles Battalion Headquarters in Shangshak
- 31 male students from F Company, 40 Assam Rifles, at the Shokvao Company Operating Base (COB)
Authorities stated that the relocation was undertaken to ensure the safety of the students ahead of the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) and Higher Secondary (HS) examinations scheduled from February 17 to April 4.
In addition, remaining Kuki students from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Ramva, were shifted to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Kangpokpi.
Officials noted that amid the volatile situation, some members of the public had allegedly misidentified the students as miscreants, raising concerns over their safety.
Role of Student Bodies and Community Leaders
The evacuation was facilitated with the intervention of Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), the apex student body of the Tangkhul Naga community, along with its zonal units and local leaders. They reportedly engaged with villagers in Shangshak, Ramva, Shokvao, TM Kasom, and S. Laho areas to de-escalate tensions and ensure safe passage for the students to Litan Police Station.
The Manipur Police have appealed to all communities to exercise restraint and refrain from spreading rumours that could further aggravate the situation.
