The bloody clash at Phangrei
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: July 02, 2012 -

Loss of three precious lives and causing injuries to several others in the bloody clash which broke out between members of two villages at Phangrei hill top in Ukhrul district on June 30 was indeed sad. According to report, the incident broke out when a group of youths from Sihai village, who were picnicking at Phangrei hill top, a popular tourist spot, were attacked by armed villagers from the nearby Lunghar village.

For the past many years, Phangrei hill range has been a bone of contention between the villagers of Lunghar and Sihai. On their way, the youths from Sihai were reportedly stopped by Lunghar villagers who demanded payment of Rs 2 per head as entry fee at the registration booth.

But they were challenged by the Sihai youths who contended that Phangrei hill peak belonged to them (Sihai) and went ahead without paying the visitation fee at the registration booth manned by Lunghar villagers at the base of Phangrei hill.

After this confrontation, villagers of Lunghar allegedly sounded a beacon bell to gather everyone before going up the hill top to attack the picnickers.

In the attack, three villagers including two brothers, all belonging to Sihai villages, lost their lives.

The worst was in store when the news of the attack reached Sihai village and a large number of angry villagers rush in rescue the victims.

In the resultant clash, several villagers, on both sides, sustained serious injuries.

Now, what has been done cannot be undone. But every possible effort should be made to ensure such unfortunate incidents of senseless killings are not repeated in future.

We should remember that fratricide (killing of one's brother) is one of the worst possible crimes and such barbaric acts would bring nothing but misery and life-long hatred among the people who have had seen enough bloodshed already.

If possible, the village authorities of the two villages at odds should try to work out an amicable solution at the earliest possible.

Though the swift response of the district police who rushed in with reinforcement to control the situation from getting out of hand was appreciable, the palpable tension which still prevails among the people of the two warring villages calls for continued alertness.

To prevent the bloody clash from spreading among the villagers of Sihai and Lunghar staying in Ukhrul district headquarters, a large number of security personnel have also been reportedly deployed round the clock.

However, such pre-emptive measures are only temporary arrangements, which, at their best help, could help in cooling down the heighten tension and bring about a semblance of normalcy.

What is actually expected from the side of the State Government at this hour of darkness is to find out the root cause of the problem and instill confidence among the people of the two villages at loggerheads.