At least 51 Kuki students were evacuated from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Ramva in Ukhrul district, as a precautionary measure amid escalating ethnic tension in the area, report said.
The evacuation follows a flare-up between members of the Tangkhul Naga community and the Kuki community in Ukhrul district. Reports indicate that clashes over the past week have intensified in parts of the district, with nearly 50 houses allegedly set ablaze in the Litan Sareikhong area, heightening fears of further unrest in the Naga-majority region.
As reported, Ukhrul District Police evacuated the 51 students from JNV Ramva and handed them over to a team from Saikul Police Station for onward movement to the JNV in Kangpokpi district. The evacuated group comprised 20 girls and 31 boys.
The students had reportedly been staying under the protection of Assam Rifles for the past few days after being shifted from the residential school.
Police stated that during the evacuation process, some members of the public initially mistook the students for miscreants. However, local civil society organisations intervened and assisted in de-escalating the situation. Their efforts in persuading villagers in areas including Shangshak, Ramva, Shokvao, TM Kasom and S Laho ensured the safe movement of the students.
Authorities have appealed to all communities to maintain calm and refrain from spreading rumours that could aggravate the fragile law and order situation.