The Shamator Village Council has strongly condemned the alleged arson, vandalism, intimidation and destruction of properties belonging to members of the Tikhir community in Shamator Town, demanding an impartial investigation, accountability and compensation for affected families.
In a statement, the Council said the incidents had destroyed not only properties but also the livelihoods and aspirations of families who had struggled for decades to rebuild their homes and secure a future for their children after previous destruction.
Expressing concern over the safety of innocent residents, the Council said tensions arising in Pungro subdivision of Kiphire district should not be used as a pretext to target Tikhir inhabitants and their properties in Shamator Town.
It stated that the Council had consistently upheld brotherhood, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and harmony among communities residing in the town, adding that the continued victimisation of innocent families was alarming and unacceptable.
According to the statement, houses had reportedly been burnt or vandalised, while schoolbags, books, children’s belongings and essential documents were destroyed. The Council said the losses went beyond material damage, affecting the security, dignity, education and future of the affected families.
The Council also questioned the preventive measures taken by the district administration and the adequacy of security arrangements. It alleged that incidents of arson had continued over three consecutive days, with properties reportedly being burnt one after another, leaving affected residents without adequate protection.
It called for an impartial investigation into allegations that women wearing traditional Yimkhiung attire had obstructed security personnel from reaching affected locations, stating that the circumstances surrounding any such obstruction must be established without prejudice.
The Council further expressed concern over reports that certain individuals allegedly associated with the Yimkhiung community had directed Yimkhiung tenants to vacate rented accommodation belonging to Tikhir residents, followed by the destruction of properties. It demanded an immediate investigation and legal action against anyone found responsible.
Questioning the administration over the measures taken to protect lives and properties, the Council also urged the MLA representing the 58 Shamator Assembly Constituency to address the concerns of affected residents. It said an elected representative had a responsibility to serve all constituents impartially and speak unequivocally against violence, intimidation and unlawful destruction.
Reiterating that the protection of citizens, maintenance of public order and enforcement of the rule of law were fundamental responsibilities of the government, the Council said silence, inaction and a lack of accountability could neither restore public confidence nor ensure lasting peace.
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The statement also recalled that Shamator Village had donated the land on which the town’s administrative establishment stands, describing it as deeply unfortunate that the village’s people were now witnessing suffering amid escalating tensions and community divisions.
Demands investigation, compensation and rehabilitation
The Shamator Village Council has demanded justice and accountability for those responsible for the alleged arson, vandalism, intimidation and destruction of property. It called for an immediate and impartial investigation into all incidents, including the alleged obstruction of security personnel and any failure to provide timely protection.
The Council also sought appropriate legal action against those found responsible, without favouritism, discrimination or political interference, along with fair compensation for verified losses suffered by affected families, churches, shopkeepers, tenants and other property owners.
It demanded immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance to help affected families rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods and resume normal life. Adequate security arrangements were also sought to protect all communities, particularly vulnerable residents, and prevent further violence, intimidation, displacement or retaliation.
The Council further called for a transparent response from the district administration and the elected representative regarding measures already taken and concrete steps proposed to restore peace and normalcy.
Emphasising that innocent inhabitants must not be made victims of disputes, political interests or collective hostility, the Council said no individual or community should be punished for grievances or actions attributed to others.
“No grievance can ever justify arson, intimidation, displacement, or the destruction of innocent people’s lives,” the Council stated, reiterating its demand for justice, compensation, an impartial investigation and accountability.
The Council appealed to the government and district administration to act without further delay, ensure that those responsible were brought to justice through due process, provide appropriate assistance to affected families and guarantee equal protection under the law.
“The people of Shamator deserve protection, not persecution; peace, not destruction; and justice, not silence,” the statement said.
