IMP/SPT, Jun 23: At least 10 persons sustained injuries when villagers of Khabung Karong and Maram Khunou clashed over a land dispute at around 4.20 am today in Senapati district. Since 1962, the two villages have been contesting ownership rights over certain areas, informed a source. A group of Khabung Karong villagers went to a disputed site early this morning purportedly to dismantle houses built there by some Maram Khunou villagers. However, as they approached the disputed site, they were fired upon with 12 Bore SBBL guns.
Another source informed that gun shots were heard by neighbouring villages along the NH-2 between Vakho village and district council at around 3.40 am.P Daihrii (63), V Poul (40), A John (46), Saloni (48), Veinii (22) and Ch Joyson (54) and four others sustained injuries in the firing. While P Daihrii, V Poul and A John have been admitted in Raj Medicity, Saloni and Veinii have been taken to Shija Hospital. It is said that they sustained bullet injuries and their conditions are said to be critical. However, Ch Joyson was left behind at his home as his injuries were of minor nature and he did not need medical attention. Senapati Police led by SDPO Hemant Pandey and 35 AR personnel immediately rushed to the spot and controlled the situation.
Apart from deployment of police personnel around the disputed site, the District Magistrate has issued strong prohibitory orders under CrPC 144 and directed all licensed guns holders of seven neighbouring villages to deposit their guns at Senapati police station immediately. Meanwhile, DC Jacintha Lazarus, Tadubi SDO Ganguiliu Gangmei, Song Song SDO Adahrii Maheo, Willong SDO Ngathingshim, SDC Duna Dou, SDPO Hemant Pandey and OC Jonah visited the site.
Meanwhile many civil societies including ANSAM, NPO and Senapati ADC have called for peaceful resolution of the issue. While visiting the disputed site where some house were constructed, leaders of Poumai Naga Women Union (PNWU) led by its president Tabitha and Senapati Karong Area Women’s Association (SKAWA) president Daileru have appealed to both the parties to show restraint and refrain from taking recourse to violent means to resolve the case.