Violent clash in Ukhrul, 7 seriously hurt
Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, June 01 2012:
Several persons were injured, seven in critical condition, in a violent confrontation that broke out on the street of Phungreitang of Ukhrul town between two groups of Chadong villagers today.
It is said that the two groups locked horns on the issue of supporting the incumbent headman of the village.
The violent scuffle that drew serious public criticism, left several persons hurt while the condition of seven of them are stated to be critical.
The violence, according to eyewitnesses, started at about 11.45 am and spilled to different corners of the street in Phungreitang.
Eyewitnesses said the police rushed to the area and put the situation under control.
"Had it not been for the police, the situation would have been much worse.
They turned up in time to defuse the violence," said a fear stricken 54-year old woman, Achui, who was on the spot watching the whole scene.
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Police escorted six seriously injured persons to Ukhrul District Hospital who were shifted to Imphal for further treatment later in the evening.
Police were helpless with about 500 people gathered at the site of incident, despite the fact that the culprits were standing right in front of them wielding sticks.
"After putting the situation under control and taking the injured to the hospital, the accused have all made good their escape," clarified Ukhrul Police OC Tezii.
On Friday morning, according to reliable sources, the Chadong villagers both the "pro-headman and anti-headman groups" arrived at Ukhrul to settle the issue of headmanship.
The conflicting parties were reportedly supposed to take a 'water immersion', a Tangkhul customary practice of settling a dispute, to resolve the controversy surrounding the headmanship of Chadong village.
It is however learnt that the 'judgment by water' was deferred due to certain reasons.
Interestingly, the entire incident today occurred few metres away from NSCN's WTR office.
No arrest has been made by the police till the filing of this report.
All the seriously injured persons belong to pro headman group.
They have been identified as Paul Kasar (69) s/o Heiyaoba Kasar, Shimreishang Kasar (65) s/o late Shakemba Kasar, Raikhan Kashung (40) s/o Tuishim Kashung, Rewben Kasar (50) s/o Ramthar Kasar, Solomon Kasar (45) s/o Mashathing Kasar, and Ramsing Kasar (75) s/o Shakemba Kasar, and Worchipem Kashung (26) s/o (Lt) Shiniva Kashung.
Meanwhile, Ukhrul public have voiced strong criticism against the violence.
The Ukhrul denizens questioned why Chadong villagers bring the village feud right in the heart of Ukhrul town.
Many termed the incident as an savage act.