Firefighters at the site of the violent confrontation following a land dispute, at Maova village on the Jalukie road, on February 13. (Morung Photo)
Chümoukedima, February 13 (MExN): The Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) wrote to the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Medziphema following the confrontation at Maova village on February 13. The letter, framed as a “situation report,” cited what it alleged were long-standing complaints against the Maova Village Council for restricting property owners from developing land.
According to the CPO, a notice was served to the Maova Village Council on December 2, 2025, regarding the removal of structures, but the deadline passed without a response. On the morning of February 13, it said that CPO leaders and volunteers arrived at the village for dialogue. “However, on reaching the village we were met with people with aggressive behaviour. They greeted the negotiating party with stones and batons,” it alleged.
The CPO further claimed that the EAC Medziphema and a police personnel sustained injuries from stones pelted by residents. Following these events, CPO volunteers requested reinforcements from nearby villages.
“It was also unfortunate that a shop was set ablaze and several LPG cylinders exploded. However, it cannot be ascertained as to how the fire started,” the CPO release said.
While it accused the Maova villagers of stocking rocks, batons and catapults/slingshots in advance, it expressed suspicion “some sort of ammunition may have been set ablaze along with the LPG Cylinders, which they have stocked for nefarious intentions.”
The CPO stated that 24 volunteers sustained injuries and three of their vehicles were damaged during the confrontation.
