Clashes between the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities during Tsonglak-Nyi festival celebrations on October 11 affected Pungro town and three villages in Kiphire district of Nagaland, leaving one person dead, another injured and dozens of residents displaced, prompting authorities to impose restrictions and deploy additional security personnel.
Key Takeaways:
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Clashes between the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities killed one person, injured another and damaged dozens of houses in Kiphire district.
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Violence affected Pungro town and Zaonger, Longtsunger and Pokphur villages, forcing residents to flee their homes.
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Authorities imposed prohibitory restrictions and deployed additional security forces as community leaders appealed for peace and dialogue.
Violence between the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities has left one person dead, another injured and dozens of residents homeless in Nagaland’s Kiphire district. The clashes damaged or destroyed houses in several locations. The district administration has imposed prohibitory restrictions in parts of Pungro sub-division to prevent further violence.
Although authorities have brought the situation under control, tensions persist in the affected areas. Police have deployed additional security personnel in vulnerable locations. Meanwhile, government officials and tribal organisations have appealed to both communities to exercise restraint and resolve their differences peacefully.
Clashes Hit Pungro and Three Villages
According to a report from the district administration, the violence affected Pungro town and the villages of Zaonger, Longtsunger and Pokphur. The clashes erupted on Saturday during the Tikhir community’s Tsonglak-Nyi festival celebrations in areas inhabited by members of both communities.
Pungro town reported extensive property damage. Miscreants vandalised eight houses and set six others on fire. The destruction forced more than 47 people to leave their homes.
Zaonger village also suffered significant damage. Around 40 houses were either burnt or vandalised, compelling residents to flee.
The situation turned deadly in Longtsunger village. A gunfight killed one member of the Tikhir community and injured another, officials said.
Authorities have yet to establish the full extent of the damage in Longtsunger and Pokphur. They also could not immediately confirm how many people had fled these two villages.
Security Tightened as Tensions Persist
District officials and police personnel rushed to the affected areas after receiving reports of the clashes. However, the teams initially faced resistance while attempting to enter some locations, according to the administration’s report.
Authorities subsequently strengthened security in vulnerable areas to prevent further escalation. Despite their intervention, tensions continued in parts of Pungro sub-division.
The district administration said its intervention had brought the situation under control. However, officials remain concerned about the possibility of renewed violence.
Prohibitory Restrictions Imposed in Pungro
The District Magistrate imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, in parts of Pungro sub-division.
The order aims to prevent further escalation and protect public peace. The administration has urged residents to comply with the restrictions and cooperate with the police and civil authorities.
Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer issued a public advisory on Sunday. He appealed to community organisations, village authorities and individuals to exercise restraint.
He also urged people to avoid provocative statements, intimidation and the circulation of unverified information. Such actions, the advisory warned, could aggravate tensions and undermine efforts to restore peace.
The administration further called on village councils, tribal organisations and community leaders to discourage retaliatory action. It urged them to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than violence.
Tribal Organisations Appeal for Peace
The United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) also appealed for calm in an advisory issued on October 10. The organisation urged residents to cooperate with the district administration and law enforcement agencies.
It warned individuals and groups against creating tension or disturbing law and order in areas under its jurisdiction in Kiphire district.
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, who also holds the Home portfolio, appealed to both communities to maintain peace. He urged them to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue.
The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), the region’s apex tribal body, also called for urgent steps to restore normalcy.
ENPO president Chingmak Chang urged the Yimkhiung and Tikhir tribal councils to intervene immediately. He called on both councils to help stop the violence and restore peace in the affected areas.
Administration Monitors Situation
The district administration continues to monitor developments in the affected locations. Officials have appealed to residents to remain calm, follow the prohibitory orders and avoid actions that could trigger further clashes.
The immediate priority remains preventing retaliation, protecting residents and restoring normalcy in the affected communities. Although authorities have brought the situation under control, tensions remain in parts of Kiphire district. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)