Litan tensions deepen as Katho bodies reject ‘Fake Narratives’, question security forces’ role

Special Correspondent 
Ukhrul, February 10:
The Katho Long and Katho Katamnao Long on Monday issued a strongly worded joint press communiqué, vehemently condemning what they described as “fake and one-sided narratives” circulated by the Kuki Students’ Organisation (Ukhrul District) and the Litan Sareikhong Village Authority regarding the recent violence in Litan.
The two organisations accused the Kuki groups of deliberately portraying themselves as victims while allegedly concealing their role in triggering the incident. According to the statement, the violence began after an individual was allegedly assaulted and seriously injured following a minor verbal altercation. The Katho bodies categorically denied claims that the victim’s family had approached the Chief of Litan Sareikhong for a peaceful resolution, terming such assertions as “fabricated and misleading.”
Calling for an immediate retraction of what they termed “unfounded statements,” the organisations urged all parties to verify facts before issuing public statements, warning that distortion of facts could further aggravate the already fragile situation.
The communiqué further alleged that on Sunday night, armed Kuki militants openly fired blank rounds near areas where security forces were deployed, triggering fear and widespread panic among residents. The Katho bodies questioned what they described as the “biased handling” of the situation by both Central and State security forces, asking why armed groups were allegedly allowed to operate openly despite the presence of security personnel.
Expressing growing frustration, the organisations warned that continued intimidation and violence would not be tolerated. They asserted that repeated incidents of alleged assault and intimidation had strained efforts to maintain peace and recalled a previous undertaking reached between Tangkhul civil society organisations and Kuki leaders, which stipulated strict consequences in the event of any recurrence of violence.
Despite that agreement, the Katho bodies claimed that incidents had continued unabated, rendering the undertaking ineffective. They maintained that repeated appeals for peace had been ignored, leading to a deterioration of trust and coexistence.
In a move likely to intensify tensions, the communiqué announced restrictions on the movement of Kukis across Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, stating that monitoring and picketing would remain in force until further notice.
The statement concluded by warning that the responsibility for any further escalation would rest with those allegedly involved in instigating violence, underscoring the urgent need for impartial intervention and restoration of law and order in the region.