Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton along with other officials visit those injured at Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima on March 31. (Photo Courtesy: @YanthungoPatton/X)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 31
A clash over a 'disputed' area below Khongka village between Laruri and Mimi Village on March 28 has reportedly left four injured, with one still admitted to the hospital. The area is located along the district borders of Kiphire and Meluri.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton has expressed concern over the unfortunate incident, which disrupts peace among communities in the border areas, and has called for peace and harmony.
He visited the injured undergoing treatment at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK). Patton was accompanied by Advisor and 60 Pungro-Kiphire MLA S Kiusumew, Advisor and 20 Meluri MLA Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, Director General of Police Nagaland Rupin Sharma, Home Commissioner Vyasan R, and Deputy Commissioner of Meluri Mhathung Tsanglao.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines, Patton informed that three individuals who sustained minor injuries during the clash have been discharged.
However, one person, who sustained head injuries, remains admitted to the hospital.
As per an update from Nagaland Police, the incident occurred on the evening of March 28 in a disputed area below Khongka village under Pungro police station.
It took place when villagers from Laruri and Sutsu were constructing an approach road and cutting firewood in the area, the police stated.
Allegedly, during the process, they were fired upon and a person was shot in the head, foot and shoulder; while another physically assaulted.
According to an update from Nagaland Police, the incident took place on the evening of March 28 in a disputed area below Khongka village under Pungro police station, when the villagers from Laruri and Sutsu were constructing an approach road and collecting firewood in the area.
One person sustained gunshot wounds to the head, foot, and shoulder, while another was allegedly assaulted physically in the incident.
Meanwhile, Patton described the incident as “very unfortunate” and informed that the state authorities "have already assigned the Deputy Commissioners of Kiphire and Meluri districts to investigate and submit a report through the Commissioner of Nagaland to the State Government."
He stated that he is deeply disturbed by the recent reports of violence, reportedly involving a few villages under Kiphire and Meluri districts, adding that such incidents not only disrupt peace but also harm the bonds that hold communities together.
He further appealed to "the people of both districts to maintain peace and harmony in the area."
Later, in an update on X, the Deputy CM stated: "While the situation is under control now, I urge all parties to maintain calm and work towards restoring harmony. Dialogue and understanding must prevail over conflict."
PAPO condemns
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Phokhungri Area Public Organisation (PAPO) has condemned March 28 firing incident, allegedly by “armed miscreants of Mimi Circle without giving any warning.”
As per the PAPO’s account, the incident occurred around 5:20AM in the morning when public/labourers of Laruri and Sütsü who were camped in the jungle for collection of timber. They were allegedly “encircled” and threatened by “firing several live-rounds and chased them away from the worksite.”
While on their way to their village, they were ambushed by the “armed personnel of Mimi area” allegedly hiding in the jungles, the PAPO claimed.
The Organisation stated that during the firing, three persons were injured; one person in the arm, including one critically, while a pick-up car they were travelling received minor damage.
The miscreants also completely burned down 3 paddy-field huts, one resting shed and a house in the road-side near Tizü bridge, it added.
Accordingly, the PAPO stated that it is “deeply appalled and outraged by indiscriminate firing on the innocent public” as lover of peace, there is no place for such “barbaric and uncivilised act.”
Accordingly, the PAPO urged the concerned authority to arrest the “culprits/masterminds and the arms and ammunitions used and book them under relevant section of laws” and deliver justice to the victims.
It further appealed all the right thinking citizens to condemn such heinous act.
