A gunfight took place between the Tangkhul Naga villages of Hungpung and Hunphun villages under Ukhrul district over a cleanliness drive organised at a disputed land on the occasion of Swachh Bharat Diwas (2nd October). This resulted in the death of two civilians and one personnel of Manipur Rifles and left over 20 people injured.

Subsequently, a mob stormed into the Ukhrul Police Station and looted eight 9mm pistols, six INSAS rifles, three AK-47 rifles, two 9mm carbines, one SLR, and one Sten gun.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced ex-gratia and financial assistance for the families of deceased and those injured and sought support from all stakeholders, including general public, public leaders and Civil Society organizations to bring peace and normalcy and to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future.

Singh also stated that his government is “committed to resolve any issue with dialogue and mutual understanding, while assuring general public that those found guilty of inciting violence shall not be spared.”

Meanwhile, the Tangkhul MLAs, Leishiyo Keishing, Khashim Vashum and Ram Muivah appealed to the citizens of Hungpung and Hunphun “to step back from the brink of further escalation” and “to pause, reflect, and remember that our strength lies in unity, not division”. The legislators also urged for the people to choose peace and restrain from violence and called for resolving the issue amicably through dialogue.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Ukhrul, had earlier on Wednesday imposed curfew in the area from 9:30 am until further orders citing possibility of law and order problem as a result of the social work organised by Hungpung students’ body which had been objected by the Hunphun Village authorities.

The district authority has also suspended internet and mobile data services.