Ukhrul violence toll reaches four
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 03 2024: Another person who was injured in Wednesday's clash in Ukhrul district between Hungpung and Hunphun villagers over a land dispute succumbed to injuries, taking the death toll to four as of Thursday.

Amid the violent clashes, a mob looted around 20 firearms and substantial quantity of ammunition from Ukhrul police station, leading to transfer of officer in-charge (OC) of the station to Chingai police station, and Chingai OC entrusted to oversee the Ukhrul PS.

The looted arms include eight 9mm pistols, six 5.6mm INSAS rifles, three AK-47 rifles, two 9mm carbines, and one 7.62mm SLR.

Ukhrul police station has registered a case regarding the incident.

Senior officials of the Police Department are in Ukhrul to assess the situation with additional personnel of BSF, Assam Rifles and district police deployed in sensitive areas.

Prohibitory orders have been enforced under Section 163 of the BNSS, and internet services suspended throughout the district.

Reports indicate that the looting occurred as a team of Ukhrul police station, led by the OC, engaged in notifying implementation of Section 163 of the BNSS.

In the violence, 23 villagers from Hunphun were injured, with two identified as Silas Zingkhai and L Hongrei losing their lives.

Another 20 villagers from Hungphung were injured as one YR Pam-reiyo succumbed at JNIMS on Thursday.

On Wednesday, 6th MR rifleman Th Worinmi passed away due to injuries as another MR rifleman, along with several escort party of Ukhrul SP, were also hurt in trying to contain the clash.

On Thursday, post-mortem examination of rifleman Th Worinmi and Hungphung villager YR Pamreiyo were conducted and their bodies handed over to their families.

The remains of villagers Zingkhai and L Hongrei were handed over to their families on Wednesday after post-mortem examinations.

In response to the violence, security measures have been tightened, with BSF, AR and Ukhrul district police manning sensitive locations, including the Mini Secretariat, Ava Market, Viewland Traffic Circular, Sacred Heart School, Hamleikhong, 7th Finance and VVD Junction.

As of Thursday, there is no report of violence.

Meanwhile, Lunghar Village authority along with Lunghar Shanao Long and Lunghar Katamnao Long, issued a joint statement condemning the death of 6th MR rifleman Th Worinmi, who was from Lunghar village but residing in Viewland, while on duty.

They urged the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and apprehend those responsible for his killing.

Lunghar village headman LW Mataisang also expressed sorrow over Worinmi's death and conveyed Condolences to the bereaved family.

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