Houses set on fire in inter-village clash
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, September 18 2019: More than 18 houses of Makhan Khuman (Mao Makhan) under Senapati district, Manipur were dismantled and reduced to ashes by suspected Northern Maram Peoples' Organization along the bridge situated between Maram and Makhan.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 4.30 am on Tuesday when occupants were still sleeping inside the affected houses.

Taking serious note of the incident, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that police are trying to nab the culprits involved in the incident.

Speaking to media persons during an inspection trip of the construction works of sports infrastructures currently under way at Langjing Achouba in Imphal West District and Khuman Lampak in Imphal East District today along with Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip, the Chief Minister urged the villagers to maintain calm and not to impose highway blockade as it is only common people who would suffer due to such agitation.

Houses set on fire in inter-village clash

Biren said that he has been in constant in touch with the DC and SP of the district, who are currently stationed there, and the situation is peaceful as of now.

He further said that additional security forces have been sent to the village to assist the District Administration in maintaining public order.

Urging both sides to resolve the issue peacefully through dialogue, he said that even he is ready to moderate them in a joint meeting.

Earlier, in a statement the Northern Maram People's Organization claimed that the incident follows a series of provocations and illogical claims on their land by certain groups from Makhan.

On the other hand the Makhan Union has strongly condemned the incident and has demanded that the culprits be booked at the earliest.

The affected villagers said that the miscreants locked their houses from outside before pouring petrol, diesel and kerosene on their doors and setting fire on them.

The affected Villagers said that around 100 youths from the neighbouring village came with sophisticated weapons and destroyed/burnt down more than eighteen houses worth crores of rupees at Makhan Khuman village areas in the wee hours.

Denouncing the attack as inhuman, the Makhan Union restricted all vehicular movements on the NH-2 Imphal-Dimapur road demanding that the miscreants be booked within 24 hours failing which they will continue to impose the indefinite bandh on the highway.

They said that the Government will be held solely responsible for any untoward incident.

However later in the evening at around 3.30, vehicles allowed to move following the intervention of TD Minister Kayisii accompanied by ADC Chairman Kapani, DC Somorjit Salam, Addl SP K Pukeho Mao and civil organizations and assurance that the culprits will be booked within a few days time.

A lady identified as Daniel Rakuyini was reportedly assaulted by the attackers.

She was later rushed to a nearby PHC and another victim identified as Athisii Hekhini was also reportedly attacked with kerosene on the face.

Tribe Hoho presidents with Naga People's Organisation leaders and SDSA leaders rushed to the site for spot enquiry in the morning.

Meanwhile, the Naga People's Organisation, Senapati has appealed to both the parties of Northern Maram People's Organization and Makhan to restrain from any violence and untoward activities till an amicable solution is brought.

Responding to the incident, Chief Minister N Biren has categorically pledged to book the culprits involved in the arson and added that personnel of Indian Reserved Battalion (IRB) have been stationed at the spot to contain any likely violence.

While speaking to NE Live, at an orphanage in Deulaland the Chief Minister said all culprits involved in the arson will be booked under the relevant laws.

He also said that the Minister of Tribal & Hill Areas Kayisii of Tadubi AC & Senapati DC N Somorjit have also rushed to the spot to assess the situation.