UKHRUL, Mar 3: A near-collision between two vehicles near Shangkai village along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road on March 2 triggered a scuffle that left several occupants injured, prompting police to register a suo motu FIR and launch an investigation, reports said on Tuesday.

According to Police, incident occurred around 3:30 pm, approximately five kilometres southwest of Litan Police Station, when an ECO van carrying occupants from Mongkot Chepu village and a Maruti Alto with occupants from Riha village nearly collided. According to reports, the mishap was allegedly caused by wrong-side driving by the Alto driver. A heated argument between the drivers soon escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in injuries on both sides.

Acting on reliable information received at about 7:30 pm, Litan Police Station registered Case No. 6(3)2026 LTN-PS under Sections 117/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and initiated an investigation. A police team, accompanied by other security personnel, rushed to the spot but found no parties present.

Authorities said preventive measures have been strengthened in the area, including intensified foot patrolling to ensure the safety of commuters and prevent further escalation.

Appealing for public cooperation, police urged citizens to report incidents directly to the district police or the nearest police station instead of circulating unverified information on social media. They cautioned that rumours, misinformation, or provocative content could undermine communal harmony and disturb law and order.

Meanwhile, the Riha Village Authority (RVA), in a press statement, described the episode as a “brutal and unprovoked assault” on four of its residents. The authority said a minor vehicular misjudgment caused by sunlight reflection and a mechanical fault had led to the near collision, adding that the driver had apologised in good faith.

Calling the attack a direct challenge to peaceful coexistence and the rule of law, the RVA urged authorities to take immediate and decisive action. It asserted that there would be “no compromise whatsoever” until justice is delivered and the safety and dignity of its people are ensured.

The latest incident comes weeks after a clash on February 7 at Litan Sareikhong in the district, where armed individuals allegedly assaulted a Tangkhul Naga man identified as Sterling. During the earlier unrest, more than 50 houses were reportedly damaged in arson attacks.