UKHRUL, Nov 13: Tension flared near Litan in Ukhrul district on Wednesday evening after a group of 32 youths from Imphal, returning from a motorcycle trip to Mova Cave, were attacked by villagers at Shangkai village, leaving two persons injured and several motorcycles damaged, according to a report by Ichel News Network.

According to the report, the group had travelled on 16 motorcycles as part of an initiative to form a Muslim Riders Club to promote youth engagement and discourage drug use. One of the riders, Altaf Hussain from Urup, sustained a leg fracture and is undergoing treatment at JNIMS, Imphal. He told Ichel News that while they stopped near Litan to regroup, some villagers questioned their presence, and shortly after an announcement was made through a loudspeaker, a mob attacked them with stones and sticks.

Several riders managed to flee, while nine were detained by villagers and later handed over to Litan Police, the report said. One of the injured was later discharged after treatment.

Meanwhile, the Shangkai Youth Club has clarified that the incident was not communal in nature but a result of a misunderstanding. Its president, Hegin Haokip, told Ichel News Network that the bikers had entered the village late in the evening, stayed for over an hour, and caused disturbance by revving their motorcycles. When village elders advised them to leave, some allegedly responded rudely.

Haokip further said that during the altercation, one of the bikers hit a village authority member, Haopu Kuki (26), who was later taken to Saikul PHC and referred to Senapati Getwell Hospital for further treatment. The situation was brought under control after the intervention of Ukhrul Litan Police, and both sides were called to the police station, where the matter was reportedly resolved amicably.