At least five hurt in Ukhrul clash
Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul/Imphal, February 04 2013:
At least five people were injured in a clash between two clans at Shangshak Phunghon in Ukhrul district today morning.
While three of them received bullet injuries, the other two received injuries inflicted by sharp objects, probably knives.
Speaking to The Sangai Express a source from Shangshak police said that the clash was an outcome of a long standing feud between two clans of the village.
Elaborating, the source said that the feud was even referred to the Tangkhul Long Court (Traditional Court of the Tangkhul) and the matter was decided in favour of one clan.
This happened some years back, said the source.
Trouble started yesterday evening when the clan, which had received the favourable verdict, was holding a meeting and the chief's son of the rival clan tried to intrude into the meeting venue.
A brief commotion ensued and the chief's son was beaten up, said the source.
Anticipating a retaliation, the clan, which had beaten up the chief's son, laid in wait today morning.
Soon a group of people from the rival clan marched towards the residences of the other clan this morning, but as the other clan had taken position, they managed to waylay them using guns.
In the melee that ensued, five people sustained injuries, said the source and added that two have been taken to Imphal for treatment.
Another source said that trouble broke out between people of the two clans during a drinking binge last evening.
A fight ensued then, said the source and added that this morning members of the two clans clashed yet again.
SBBL guns were used in the clash, said the source and added that a team of 80 police personnel, led by a Magistrate and two SDPOs was sent from Ukhrul district headquarters to take stock of the situation.
Earlier, before the police reinforcement from Ukhrul reached the spot, members of the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong and Tangkhul Shanao Long, intervened and tried to pacify the two groups.
Twelve persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, said the source and added that an FIR has been lodged at Shangshak police station.
The District Magistrate has imposed prohibitory order under CrPC 144 of the IPC, said the source.
More than 50 SBBL guns have also been impounded.
Though details are yet to be received, till the time of filing this report, sources said that the situation is well under control.