Ukhrul tense as land row rages, 144 CrPC clamped
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, April 15 2023:
Ukhrul district magistrate Krishna Kumar on Friday promulgated prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC in parts of Ukhrul sub-division indefinitely, particularly, along the Ukhrul-Jessami route in view of the prevailing tension between two neighbouring villages over a land dispute.
The order came hours after unknown miscreants set ablaze a row of shops located at Choithar-Langdang junction around noon on Friday.
The fire was brought under control with the timely arrival of an Ukhrul fire brigade team.
It is learnt that neighbouring villages Choithar and Lang-dang have been embroiled in a long-running dispute over a particular stretch of land.
Tension reportedly heightened between the two villages after Friday's arson.
In view of the tension, DM Krishna Kumar promulgated the prohibitory orders with immediate effect from Friday until further order.
The order mentioned that the report laid out by Ukhrul SP on Friday noted a volatile law and order situation at Choithar-Langdang junction areas and imminent possibility of law-and-order problem and likelihood of causing tension, and disturbance to public peace and tranquillity.
The DM stated that immediate preventive measures were necessitated to maintain law and order and to check any untoward incident and breach of peace and tranquillity.
Under the Section 144 of CrPC 1973, assembly of five or more people, carrying of swords/sticks/stones or other sharp edged articles which may be used as weapon and also carrying of any firearms and other lethal weapons is prohibited within the whole area of Langdang and Choithar villages.
Accordingly, Ukhrul SDO/SDM M Suranjoy Singh and SDC David Muivah have been detailed as magistrates on duty to maintain the law and order at the disputed site which cover the whole area situated within revenue jurisdiction of Ukhrul sub-division of Ukhrul district including Langdang-Choithar village areas, whole stretch of Ukhrul-Jessami road from Langdang to PMGSY road up to Choithar village and the old jail complex areas.
The executive magistrates are to remain at their place of duty and coordinate with police officers for maintaining law and order, even as the ADM Ukhrul has been tasked to supervise the situation and ensure that no untoward incidents occur.