The situation in Pungro sub-division in Kiphire district is tense following the violence amid the Tsonglak-Nyi festival celebrations of the Tikhir Naga community on October 10, which triggered severe communal tensions across the Sub-Division, leaving one person dead, another injured, several houses burnt or vandalised and scores of people displaced.
According to a situation report, incidents were reported in and around Zaonger and Longtsunger villages, leading to heightened tensions between the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities. The district administration and police rushed to the affected areas after receiving information but reportedly faced resistance that prevented them from entering initially. Further incidents were subsequently reported in Pungro headquarters and Pokphur village, adding to the tensions.
In Pungro town, eight houses were reportedly vandalised and six burnt, displacing more than 47 people. In Zaonger village, 40 houses were burnt or vandalised, leaving many residents displaced. In Longtsunger village, one person was reported dead and another injured, both belonging to the Tikhir community.
The extent of damage to houses and the number of people displaced in Longtsunger and Pokphur could not be ascertained at the time the report was prepared.
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The District Magistrate, Kiphire, has issued an advisory under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, corresponding to the earlier Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The situation remained tense but was reported to be under control following the intervention of the district administration and police.
The administration and police were continuing efforts to relocate affected residents to safer places and restore normalcy in the area.
USLP issues peace advisory
Meanwhile, the United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP), Kiphire, issued a peace advisory on October 10, urging all citizens to maintain restraint and cooperate with law enforcement agencies and the district administration amid the prevailing situation.
In its notification, the organisation stated that no individual or group would be allowed to create tension or disturb law and order within the United Sangtam jurisdiction in Kiphire district.
The USLP warned that it would not be responsible for any untoward incident arising from violations of the advisory and urged all concerned to act responsibly to preserve peace.
Copies of the notification were forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire, the Yimkhiung Tribal Council and the Tikhir Tribal Council.
