Ukhrul: Following the deadly clash between Hunphun and Hungpung villages over a long-standing land dispute in Ukhrul district on October 2, which claimed four lives, and the subsequent looting of firearms and ammunition from Ukhrul Police Station in Tangrei (Police Bazaar), a press briefing was held at Ukhrul Police Station. The briefing was led by Manipur’s Inspector General of Police (Operations), Dr. IK Muivah, joined by District Commissioner Ukhrul Kengoo Zuringla, Ukhrul SP Karthik Malladi, IPS, Sanjeev Singh, Commander 10 Sector Assam Rifles
at around 2 PM on Saturday.
Senior police officers led by IGP IK Muivah along with DIG Worngam Ningshen and SP Ningshem Vashum were deputed to Ukhrul to assist the district administration in restoring law and order along with Border Security Force and Assam Rifles.
During the briefing, IGP Dr. IK Muivah stressed on the seriousness with which the Police Department is addressing the situation, stating that major efforts have been made to restore law and order in Ukhrul, a key hill district headquarters. He highlighted the cooperation between Ukhrul Police, Manipur Rifles, Assam Rifles, the BSF, and the leaders of the two villages involved.
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Despite the volatile situation on October 2, Dr. IK Muivah noted that no further incidents have occurred in Ukhrul headquarters since the evening of the same day, underscoring the ongoing efforts to maintain peace in the hill town. “Direct conflict between the conflicting parties has ceased from evening of October 2, till date by deploying adequate security forces consisting of Civil Police, Manipur Rifles, Assam Rifles and BSF and also by getting cooperation of the leaders of two villages, Hunphun and Hungpung,” the IGP said.
On the matter of firearms that were looted, he said that agitated mob looted twenty weapons from Ukhrul Police Station. “With the help of various security forces in an intense search efforts for recovery of the lost weapons, and also with the cooperation of the Civil Society Organisations and public leaders, we have been able to recover 80 percent of the looted weapon. This is something unprecedented, note worthy and praise worthy for all those who have played a very positive role to restore normalcy and to ensure law and order,” the IGP said.
He thanked and acknowledged the crucial role of the CSOs and leaders for their cooperation and help rendered in locating and recovery of the looted firearms, calling it “unprecedented and exemplary.”
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“Special acknowledgment is extended to the Headman of Hunphun Village and all village authorities for their cooperation. Special thanks are also due to the Chairman of the Hunphun Executive Council and his colleagues, the President of HKL and his team, and the Hunphun Shanao Long. Additionally, we recognize the following social workers for their contributions, Somatai Shaiza, Khayui Raleng, Yaalui Zingkhai, Madam Soso Shaiza, Agnes Shaiza.
A special mention goes to Sanjeev Singh, Commander of the 10 Sector Assam Rifles, along with his officers and personnel, who have been working diligently both behind the scenes and maintaining a strong presence on the ground. Acknowledgment is also given to the Adhoc Commandant of the BSF, along with his officers and personnel, for their efforts.
Finally, we appreciate Rev. Zaklei Kaping, Pastor of Phungyo Baptist Church, for playing a crucial role in facilitating the return of looted weapons,” said the IGP.
Appeal was made to the public and the leaders for continued cooperation from the public as efforts to recover a few remaining weapons continue. Appeal was also made to the CSOs and both the village authorities for de-escalation. “Let us cooperate together. Let us take peace as a very precious commodity. Because without peace, we cannot do anything normally. Everything gets paralyzed. So let us give importance to peace and peaceful dialogue and consultation with each other instead of violent means,” added Dr. IK Muivah.