P Moulding VA clarifies 'communal clash' incident
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 12 2020: In the matter concerning the incident that took place on October 4 between the minors of Chingmang Meitei and P Muolding village, the office of the P Moulding Village Chief has clarified that it was just a misunderstanding between the two groups during a football match in P Muolding playground.

The statement issued by the secretary of P Moulding village stated that the incident was twisted and exaggerated by certain people giving it a communal tone and circulating them on various social media platforms.

According to the statement, on October 4, some of the Chingmang youths summoned two representatives of the other group and took them to a secluded place and severely thrashed them.

The situation turned violent with the gradual involvement of several people from both communities.

Negotiation was initiated the same night at Chingmang Community Hall in the presence of 2nd OC Sekmai Police, authorities/leaders of both parties, family members and other stakeholders.

During this time, one Bijaya, w/o Brojen laid hands on one Chinneilhing Chongloi, with no evidence of the former to support her claim of being injured.

Some Chingmang youngsters standing beside the hall also joined in to support Bijaya.

This was followed by stone pelting and catapulting, with one group in the community hall and the other group in the adjacent Ima Kounu Lairenbi Temple.

As a result, a hole or two were made on the roof of the temple which, prima facie, was not a deliberate attack on religious lines, it clarified while adding that items published in several newspapers relating to vandalisation of the said temple was an attempt to evoke communal tension and violence.

Following the incident, AMUCO and COCOMI had paid a visit to P Muolding village to assess the situation and after thorough discussion, maintained that the matter must be resolved in a peaceful manner.

In this regard, P Moulding village authority has appeal the various CSOs, particularly AMUCO and COCOMI to issue a press release to nullify the communal minds of the public at large and initiate necessary steps to bring peace and harmony.

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