GUWAHATI: A Manipur Rifles personnel was among three people killed in a gunfight over a land dispute between two Naga villages in Ukhrul district on Wednesday. The violent clash linked to a disagreement over the govt’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative on the disputed site left several people wounded.
Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew near the site, while internet and mobile data services were suspended for a day in the entire district.Assam Rifles personnel were deployed to maintain order.
The conflict broke out between the villagers of Hunphun and Hungpung, both part of Naga community. According to Ukhrul sub-divisional magistrate D Kamei, the clash was triggered by a “social work” initiative organised by Thawaijao Hungpung Young Students’ Organisation in Hunphun area, which was opposed by Hunphun Village Authority. As the clash escalated to a gunfight, police were caught in the crossfire and a Manipur Rifles man was fatally hit by a bullet.
Ukhrul district SP had warned of a potential breach of peace due to the ongoing land dispute between the two villages. The SP’s report highlighted the possibility of danger to human lives and property in the area.
In other parts of Manipur, normal life was disrupted in five Imphal Valley districts due to a shutdown called by Meitei Joint Action Committee (JAC) over the kidnapping of two youths. Demonstrators blocked streets in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal districts.
Three youths from Thoubal were allegedly kidnapped in Kangpokpi district last week. While one was rescued, two remain missing. The trio reportedly lost their way en route a recruitment test in Imphal West and entered Kangpokpi.
Meanwhile, security forces have recovered a huge cache of explosives, including 21 big and medium IEDs, at Senam village in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district, the police said. The explosives were found when the northeastern state, affected by ethnic clashes since May 2023, witnessed escalated violence from early last month when drone attacks by militants were reported.
About the recovery, the police in a statement said that they found, among others, 10 big improvised explosive devices, 11 medium-sized IEDs, 42 country-made grenades, seven No.36 hand grenades, two Chinese grenades and 34 petrol bombs.
Besides, one country-made Lathode gun, a rifle and pistol, two Pompi guns and detonators were recovered.
More than 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May last year.