Ukhrul: The calm and peaceful district of Ukhrul witnessed sudden violence on Wednesday after a clash between two villages, Hunphun and Hungpung, over a long-standing land dispute. The confrontation resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and left more than 20 others injured.
According to official sources, the violence erupted during a cleanliness drive organized by the Thawaijao Hungpung Young Students’ Organisation (THYSO) on October 2, from Thingrasa (near Punjab National Bank, Viewland) to the New District Hospital, Hungpung. Tensions escalated when Hunphun village reportedly opposed the event, claiming the area as part of their jurisdiction, which led to a violent confrontation, including gunfire exchanges.
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Among the victims were Reileiwung Hongray and Silas Zingkhai from Hunphun village, along with Worrinmi Thumra, a 6th Manipur Rifles personnel from Lunghar village, who was on duty nearby. Thumra is survived by his wife and three children.
Police sources confirmed that 22 injured individuals, including one police officer and two Manipur Rifles personnel, were taken to the district hospital. One of the MR personnel, who suffered a bullet wound to the neck, later succumbed to his injuries. Four critically injured persons were referred to JNIMS hospital in Imphal for advanced treatment.
Nine other injured individuals were evacuated to Leishiphung Christian Hospital in Hunphun village, where two were declared dead upon arrival, according to a police source.
Police sources have confirmed that over ten weapons were snatched away by a large mob at Ukhrul Police Station, located at Police Bazaar.
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In response to the violence, Ukhrul Sub-Divisional Magistrate Dinringam Kamei invoked emergency powers under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, effective from 9:30 AM on October 2, 2024. The order includes exemptions for government officials maintaining law and order and essential services, while processions for events like weddings or funerals require prior permission from the authorities.
Executive Magistrates have been assigned to oversee the affected areas, with SDC Ukhrul Hanyo Luke Rungsung and SDC/BO Riamei Jangmei taking charge of the Thingrasa and Ngaphar regions, respectively.
To prevent further escalation, the state government temporarily suspended internet services in Ukhrul district for one day starting at 1:20 PM. The order cited concerns about the potential misuse of social media to spread hate speech and incite violence, which could worsen the already fragile situation.
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In a joint statement, three Tangkhul legislators Khashim Vashum, MLA Ram Muivah, and MLA Leishiyo Keishing appealed for peace between the two conflicting villages, urging them to resolve the issue through dialogue.
“With a heart weighed down by sorrow, we stand before you today as one of your own, pleading for peace. We reach out to you today in the midst of this unfortunate incident that has cast a dark shadow over our cherished land. Our villages, bound together by blood, history and love, must not be torn apart by the fires of violence and anger We are not just neighbours, we are family. Our ancestors walked these same paths, shared their dreams, their hardships and their joy,” said the joint statement.
“Let us not allow this moment to shatter what generations have built. No victory can be found in the pain of our brothers and sisters. Let us pause, reflect and remember that our strength lies in unity, not division. Every heart that bleeds today is a wound on our shared soul,” it added.
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