Fresh violence in Manipur’s Ukhrul district left at least 21 houses burnt at Litan Sareikhong village, forcing residents to flee as security forces were deployed and the state government appealed for peace. Pics/PTI

A Meitei man was abducted and shot dead allegedly by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, triggering protests in Kakching and parts of Imphal. Police suspect the involvement of the United Kuki National Army, a non-signatory to the Suspension of Operations pact. The killing has intensified ethnic tensions in the state, prompting demands for swift arrests and a probe by central agencies. PICS/PTI