2 villages come under attack, 18 houses razed
Morung Express News
Dimapur | January 5
FRESH VIOLENCE is said to have erupted between the Yimchunger and Tikhir communities with reports indicating that the communal flare-up has spread to Pungro sub-division where two Tikhir villages – Phokhdur and Kiusem – were consecutively attacked by armed persons at the early morning hours of 00:30 and 3:15 respectively. At Phokhdur, the assailants met stiff resistance, it was said. The gunmen later razed to ground 18 houses at Kiusem, the EAC Headquarters. Out of the figure, 5 are government houses and the rest are private residences, sources added. No casualties were, however, recorded.
The Superintendent of Police and the administration have rushed to the affected area where tension has built, but the situation, at the time of filing this report, is informed to be “normal”.
The government does not have a detailed assessment of the current scenario but is hopeful that whatever “right or wrong” they do will result in cessation of hostilities. Confirming the attacks on the two villages and the consequent burning of the 18 structures, Nagaland Commissioner TN Mannen lamented the loss of the property but was grateful that no loss of lives was reported. Home Minister Thenucho is assessing the situation and is expected to issue a statement soon.
The government is also putting in its best efforts to contain the unrest at Shamator with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today sending in a team of ministers led by PHE Minister P Longon. Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) leaders are on their way to Shamator to contribute in containing the crisis. At a cabinet meeting chaired by Rio today, it was decided that relief would be provided to those affected by the violence. However, an accurate assessment into the relief requirements has yet to be evaluated.
Sources also said the public refused to give in to the government deadline which expired yesterday ordering civilians to surrender firearms and hand over the perpetrators responsible for killing a policeman earlier.
Director General of Police J Changkija has not received word on the surrender of the culprits. He said that since the given timeframe is over, the Police would now do the needful but are “moving very cautiously because we do not want to aggravate the situation.” The Police are on alert, the DGP added.
He said the government is in touch with leaders of both tribal bodies. At this heated moment, it appears both contending sides do not wish to meet.
The situation now seems to have taken a turn for the worse with the paramilitary reportedly being requisitioned to be sent in to the areas where tribal conflict has adversely had an effect on the lives of the area’s people.
And all the while, complaints of poor telecom services were received with even the press finding it difficult to disseminate news and information.
NSCN-K reiterates no-say in Shamator melee
Dimapur, Jan 5 (MExN): Following an earlier directive, the NSCN-K reiterates its decision to stand clear of the ongoing Shamator conflict, where the Tikhir and Yimchunger communities are “engaged on their primitive style”. The NSCN-K takes serious note of the issue which has so far witnessed the killing of a policeman and injury to three civilians on January 2. “The NSCN/GPRN only want peace and mutual understanding among the various Naga tribes” stated Dy. Kilonser Y Wangtin Naga in a note. It appeals to both the communities to settle the “domestic issue locally”. The note cautioned that violence will only bring further antagonism and enmity would be ‘hard’ to reconcile. The Kilonser directed all its cadres not to interfere in the ‘domestic’ flare-up between the two brothers. Any cadre/member found involved in the Shamator issue will be branded anti-Naga and appropriate action taken. Any instance of interference/involvement of NSCN-K cadre(s) may be intimated to the phone number 9436265561, the note informed.
