Panel mooted to resolve Hunphun-Hungpung fued
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, October 07 2024: In a landmark move to resolve the long-standing land boundary dispute between Hunphun and Hungpung villages, a peace committee under Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) is set to be constituted as soon as possible, with the goal of bringing an amicable final settlement within six months.

This decision was part of a nine-point resolution adopted during an emergency Longshim (assembly) convened by the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) on Monday.

The assembly, held at the TNL hall, brought together as many as 355 public leaders and stakeholders representing the whole Tangkhul community to take crucial steps toward resolving the conflict between the two villages, which have faced tensions over the land boundary issue for many years.

TNL president Sword Vashum highlighted the rationale for convening the emergency Longshim in the backdrop of the tragic October 2 incident.

He stated that the incident had so severely violated the TNL Riyanyung that the emergency Longshim, filled with grief, made decisions to prevent such incidents in the future, marked by the traditional chant, "Kapha Zanglu, Kashi Shok Haolu" (Let the good in, the bad out) .

According to the Longshim resolution, the assembly unanimously agreed to constitute a 5-member peace committee comprising members from all Longphangs (zonal bodies) under the aegis of TNL at the earliest.

A six-month timeframe has been allotted to the peace committee to resolve the issue amicably.

However, in the event of the committee facing any hurdles in meeting the deadline, TNL would take recourse to its customary practices of Shiyan Chikan/Yanza Yanret to resolve the same.

The assembly has also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between the two villages to facilitate the restoration of peace.

"Moving forward, any party that violates the stipulated peace pact and provokes the other side will face censure from the Tangkhul community." Reaching a consensus, the assembly stipulated that the two villages should refrain from mobilising support from outside their respective villages, and outsiders have been asked not to get involved in the issue under any circumstances.

It further directed the public not to circulate any information regarding the dispute on social media unless it is official.

In any situation likely to cause violence, information should be intimated to TNL or Tangkhul frontal organisations, which will take necessary actions/decisions within 48 hours, the assembly ruled.

The Longshim observed a one-minute silent prayer in remembrance of the deceased Reireiwung and Sirus Zingkhai of Hunphun village, and YR Pamreiyo of Hungpung village, and Th Worinmi of Lunghar village, who lost their lives, as well as those who suffered injuries in the conflict.

The assembly saw the attendance of representatives from Zingsho, Zingtun, Ato, and Aze Longphang, TNL Phungva, Assembly Affairs, and observers, among Others.

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