Fresh tension flared today outside the Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district following a dispute between Sharkaphung village and Litan Kuki village over claims of ownership of Litan township, an area likely to be affected by the ongoing expansion of National Highway-102A.
The situation escalated when a mob of Litan locals allegedly attempted to attack Sharkaphung village headman Wungnaokhan Kasar in front of the police station, further aggravating the already volatile atmosphere. The incident came a day after protesters reportedly blocked the roadway as part of their agitation.
The dispute centres on land ownership and compensation claims, with dozens of families demanding compensation for land expected to be impacted by the highway expansion. Competing claims over the township have intensified disagreements between the two villages.
Protesters accused the police of negligence in handling the situation and urged the Litan Police Station to act decisively to maintain law and order and prevent further escalation of tension in the area.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident or clarify measures being taken to defuse the situation.