Post-election tension between Ungma-Küpza settled amicably

Mokokchung, March 12 (MExN): The post-election tension between Ungma and Kupza villages under 26th Aonglenden Assembly Constituency has been resolved amicably after the two parties held a meeting at Ungma village B Khel (Yimlang) on March 11, 2013. Post-election tension erupted between the Ungma village B Khel (Yimlang) and Kupza village on February 24 after the Ungma villagers blockaded the road leading to Kupza village and also destroyed the power supply and waterlines. Ungma is the biggest village in Mokokchung district while Kupza is one of the smallest villages with only 148 families and around 642 voters.

Sources suggest that during the February 23 polls, Kupza villagers cast a majority of votes in favor of Congress candidate, Imtikumzuk (hailing from Ungma village), while nearly two hundred votes were cast in favor of the NPF candidate, Toshipokba Longkumer (also from Ungma). Thereafter, the supporters of the NPF candidate from Ungma B Khel (Yimlang) under the aegis of Jenangsanger Kosasanger Puso Menden (Ungma B Khel Council) blockaded the road leading to Kupza and restricted the movement of Kupza villagers in Ungma jurisdiction February 24 onwards. The waterlines and power supply, which is being distributed from Ungma area, were also consequently destroyed.

Tension ran high, and Kupza villagers had to travel through a steep footpath leading to the jungle, coming up to Mekuli side, to enter Mokokchung Town, which takes more than two hours. Kupza villagers disclosed that they had to endure the blockade for three weeks without power or water supply, and had to transport essential commodities on foot through the footpath paying wages to laborers.

It is learnt that the district administration and police tried to intervene to bring about an amicable solution, but to no avail. Then on March 11, a meeting was held between the Kupza village council and the Jenangsanger Kosasanger Puso Menden (Ungma B Khel council) where it was decided to resolve the matter amicably and to restore the relationship between the two parties as before.

“We have resolved to settle the matter amicably yesterday at the meeting held between the Kupza Village council and the Jenangsanger Puso Menden,” said L Teka, Chairman of Kupza Village council. A member of the Jenangsanger Kosasanger Puso Menden (Ungma B Khel council) said that roads will be cleared and power and water supplies restored to Kupza village ‘one after another’.

Three areas had huge trees felled to block the road and a trench dug in to restrict vehicular movement. It is estimated that at least two-three days will be needed to clear the road and restore vehicular movement. While the minutes of the joint meeting between Kupza and Jenangsanger Kosasanger Puso Menden (Ungma B Khel council) that led to the settlement could not be accessed, it is expected that post-poll tension between the parties will be brought to a peaceful end.