Ukhrul: Amidst the deadly clash between Hunphun and Hungpung villages on October 2 that claimed four lives injuring over 30 people, an Emergency Assembly of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) was held on Monday, at TNL Hall, Ukhrul. Around 355 members from various Tangkhul villages from the East, West, South and North were present during the assembly.
The assembly expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the four individuals killed and injured in the clash at Ukhrul Headquarters. A one-minute silent prayer was observed in honor of the departed souls.
Sword Vashum, President of TNL, the apex body of the Tangkhul Naga tribe called for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis between Hunphun and Hungpung villages, urging the assembly members to suggest ways to achieve an amicable solution to the conflict.
The Assembly acknowledged the severe impact of the crisis on the community as a whole and on the TNL constitution. While condemning the incident, it also appealed for the restoration of peace at Ukhrul Headquarters and restraint from both villages.
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In order to end the ongoing crisis, the Emergency Assembly passed several resolutions:
- Both villages must cease hostilities and maintain peace from October 7, 2024 onwards.
- The entire Tangkhul community will censure and penalise the village that first breaks the peace pact and provokes the other.
- To peacefully resolve the crisis, a five-member Peace Committee will be formed under the leadership of the TNL President.
- A time frame of six months will be given to the Peace Committee to settle the issue. If the committee faces obstacles in resolving the matter within the given time, the issue will be settled through the TNL Shiyan Chikan or Tangkhul Naga Long Karot (TNLK).
- Neither village should mobilize support from other Tangkhul villages to escalate the conflict, and no outsiders should become involved in the issue.
- No individual should post about the ongoing crisis on social media unless it is official.
- Violence in any form will not be tolerated.
- Any situation that could lead to the outbreak of conflict must be reported to the TNL or Tangkhul Frontal Organisations. The Tangkhul CSOs must take immediate action within 48 hours.
- Any violation or non-compliance with these directives will invite censure from the entire Tangkhul community.
Both villages have demonstrated restraint, and normalcy is gradually returning to Ukhrul Headquarters, with the active involvement of Tangkhul CSOs, Assam Rifles, BSF, Ukhrul Police, and the 6th Manipur Rifles. Ukhrul Police reported that, out of the 20 arms looted on October 2, 2024, 18 have been recovered, while one AK rifle and one 9mm pistol are yet to be recovered.
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