Chümoukedima district administration said 48 persons were injured and houses and vehicles burnt in Maova village violence.
Share
DIMAPUR — The Chümoukedima district administration on Friday night reported that at least 48 people were injured in the violence at Maova village, in which six vehicles were burnt and another 15 damaged.
The incident also saw five houses gutted, 20 private houses damaged, and seven shops, including the Maova community hall, burnt down.
According to a DIPR update, the incident occurred “due to issues arising from land-related matters,” with misunderstandings between two groups triggering the violence.
Also read: Nagaland: Land dispute sparks violent clash in Maova village
An executive magistrate on duty and a security personnel also sustained serious injuries while performing official duties, it informed.
“The situation intensified as both groups engaged in stone pelting,” the update stated.
On receiving information, the district administration and security forces rushed to the spot, and necessary measures were taken to control the situation and restore law and order, preventing further violence, it added.
Meanwhile, Dimapur Police also provided an update stating that information was received around 9:30 am about the proposed meeting at Maova village.
Anticipating possible law-and-order issues, the Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) of Medziphema, accompanied by the officer-in-charge of Medziphema Police Station, Dobashis and available security personnel, rushed to the spot to maintain peace.
However, on reaching the village, officials found both sides engaged in heated arguments. Around 10:30 am, the situation escalated into physical scuffles, with individuals from both groups assaulting one another using sticks and chairs.
“During the incident, EAC Medziphema along with two security personnel sustained injuries. One NAP (IR) personnel, sustained a serious head injury due to stone pelting and was immediately shifted to the hospital for medical treatment. The mob vandalised 9 houses and 3 shops and torched several structures including 8 shops, 1 community hall, 1 youth office, and 1 council guest house which is under construction.
“During the incident more than 30 LPG cylinders exploded due to the fire. However, no casualties were reported. The mob also damaged 21 vehicles (both four-wheelers and two wheelers), with 3 vehicles completely torched,” it stated.
With the situation rapidly deteriorating, security reinforcements led by the deputy commissioner of Police (DCP), Chümoukedima, were rushed to the area along with fire tenders. Authorities said the situation was brought under total control by around 11:30 am.
Sufficient security has since been deployed in and around the affected area, and the situation is being closely monitored, it stated, adding that there has been no further escalation and normal traffic movement has resumed.
Appealing for calm, the police urged the public to maintain peace, exercise maximum restraint and refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information through social media or other platforms. Citizens were also advised not to assemble unlawfully or take the law into their own hands.
Community leaders, civil society organisations and youth bodies have been requested to cooperate with the district administration and police to maintain harmony and ensure that such incidents do not recur.