
Manipur police on Thursday stated that the incident on November 12 at Shangkai Village in Ukhrulk district was was spontaneous in nature and not communal.
The incident has been given a communal tone by many social media users from a particular community and a certain media house without ascertaining the facts.
However, Manipur police stated that enquiry indicates the incident occurred out of sudden provocation and misunderstanding between the bikers and the local villagers.
As per Manipur police, a group of Muslim youths on November 12 reportedly organized a bike ride to Mova Cave, Ukhrul District and on their return journey towards Imphal, some bikers halted at a shop in Shangkai Village.
While waiting there, heated exchange of words started between the village youth and bikers and because of language barrier and misunderstanding the situation escalated and resulted in physical altercation.
However, local police intervened on receiving report of altercation, after which an amicable understanding was reached between both the groups in presence of Litan Office in Charge . The situation has since been brought under control and local police continue to maintain vigil, police stated.

The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128