A land dispute triggered a violent clash in Maova village under Medziphema sub-division, with the Chakhroma Public Organisation and village authorities giving contrasting accounts.
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DIMAPUR — A violent clash linked to land dispute erupted at Maova village under Medziphema sub-division in Chümoukedima district on Friday morning, leaving several people injured and multiple properties, including homes and public structures, damaged.
In the immediate aftermath, contrasting accounts emerged from the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) and Maova village authorities, even as the administration brought the situation under control.
According to Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO), the incident occurred when its leaders visited Maova village around 10:30 am for what they described as a dialogue with the village Gaon Bura (GB) and council chairman to resolve complaints related to land ownership and development restrictions.
Addressing a press conference at the CPO hall in Chümoukedima on Friday, CPO president Zhato Kimho termed the incident “very unfortunate” and said that such developments were not in keeping with the organisation’s values or Naga cultural practices.
He reminded that the Kuki community has lived alongside Angami community for decades based on customary traditions, but alleged that the situation had deteriorated in the past two to three years.
Kimho claimed that a majority of Angamis had purchased land in Maova village over time, with most available land sold except residential areas.
However, he alleged that after selling the land, some sellers began preventing buyers from developing it. According to him, attempts to construct houses, undertake farming or fisheries, or even fence property boundaries were obstructed.
The CPO president further alleged that there was an order from the village GB restricting development activities, and that construction materials brought to sites were seized.
According to him, complaints regarding such restrictions had reached the CPO for the past three to four years, during which time the organisation had advised its members to maintain peace and seek amicable resolution.
He said that matters escalated last year when the GB allegedly began construction on land that had already been sold.
Kimho said that a CPO team conducted physical verification and found the construction inappropriate. Following this, the organisation issued a letter dated December 2, 2025, to Maova village authorities, asking for the removal of ‘illegal construction’ by December 25.
Kimho alleged that the letter was neither acknowledged nor responded to, despite follow-up calls and reminders.
With no response forthcoming, Kimho said that the CPO decided to meet the GB and village chairman in person. He alleged that upon reaching the village, the CPO delegation found the road blocked by around 70 to 80 villagers, including women.
Despite identifying himself as CPO president and requesting dialogue, he claimed that they were not allowed to speak and were pushed, leading to heightened tensions among accompanying youths.
Kimho alleged that stone-pelting soon followed, which he described as pre-planned, claiming stones had been stockpiled in advance.
He said that the CPO team had gone unarmed and was taken by surprise. During the incident, an IRB constable was reportedly hit on the head and fell, while the Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) was also injured.
According to the CPO, its team initially retreated and later called for reinforcement from youth volunteers. In the ensuing chaos, a house was set on fire, and a loud explosion was heard, which Kimho suggested could have been caused by an LPG cylinder, though he said there were suspicions of other materials inside.
Kimho also claimed that the GB’s vehicle was overturned and damaged. He added that 24 CPO members sustained injuries and three vehicles were damaged during the incident.
CPO vice president Sebastian Zumvu, also addressing the media, said that the leaders were accompanied by around 20 to 30 youths for protection during their intended discussion.
He alleged that villagers appeared prepared for confrontation and said he himself was struck on the leg during the clash.
Zumvu claimed that had reinforcements not arrived, those present may not have been able to leave safely. He also stated that the CPO had not received any official response to its December 2 letter, contrary to claims by village representatives.
MVC version
Meanwhile, Maova village authorities presented a different account of the events. Speaking to media persons at the incident site, Maova village Gaonbura (GB) Seiboi said that prior information had been received that a large number of vehicles were approaching the village from outside and that there were fears the visitors intended to cause harm.
Seiboi said that he immediately informed the EAC, following which security personnel were deployed near his residence.
While attempts were being made to stop the approaching group, he said that a scuffle broke out. According to him, tensions escalated after a newly constructed house was destroyed, leading to further confrontation.
The GB alleged that the group pushed past the EAC and entered his compound, during which his property and vehicles were damaged.
He claimed that chairs were broken, shops vandalised, and panic spread among villagers, adding that several shops were set on fire.
Seiboi estimated that around 1,000 individuals entered the village and said the police deployment was insufficient to control such a large crowd. While acknowledging injuries during the incident, he described them as mostly minor.
According to the GB, at least five two-wheelers, five four-wheelers and one JCB (excavator) were damaged. He also expressed concern over the psychological impact on women and children, stating that many residents were tense and traumatised.
He appealed to the police and government for continued security, citing uncertainty over the situation.
Maova Village Council chairman Sutminlal Vaiphei said that the land dispute involved two plots and originated last year. He claimed that the village council had received a notice regarding the issue and had formally responded, after which there was no further official communication.
On the day of the incident, Vaiphei said that the village authorities believed the CPO team was coming for discussions, but events took an unexpected turn.
According to him, while the EAC, Dobashi (DB) and the GB were holding discussions at the GB’s residence to resolve the issue peacefully, youths reportedly confronted each other on the road, leading to a scuffle that escalated into violence. He maintained that the matter could have been resolved through dialogue.
Regarding injuries, Vaiphei said that information was not immediately available during the chaos, but later reports suggested that some women may have been assaulted in nearby fields. He described the disputed land as relatively small, consisting of two plots—one near the village boundary and another close to the Chathe Prayer Centre.