Land dispute sparks clash, 8 hurt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 25 2014: Fuelled by a dispute over construction of a rest shed on the sacred site of a local sylvan deity, a group of people were attacked by ano-ther group using firearms in- flicting injuries to eight people including an MPS officer.

According to information culled from the spot, villagers of Uchiwa Wangma and Uchiwa Hayel were cleaning a sacred site (Lai-lam Thokpam) of Ikop Ningthou Maru Nongshaba at Ikop Pat at round 10.30 am today when a group of people armed with firearms from Khelakhong and Uchiwa Nastao attacked them.

This led to a tense stand-off.

On learning about the un- folding situation, a police team led by Mayang Imphal OC came to the area.

But even the police team was not spared.

Compelled by the incessant attack, villagers of Uchiwa Wangma, Uchiwa Hayel and the police personnel ran helter-skelter in different directions.

A public meeting underway after violence broke out at Ikop Pat under Mayang Imphal PS

Mayang Imphal P/S OC Sachidananda currently on probation was hit by two pellets on the back.

Salam Radhabinod (32) s/o Khaiba, Salam Khelendro (34) s/o Sanayaima, Salam Romen (33) s/o Khoibi, Ha-obijam Sanjit (23) s/o He- manta, Moirangthem Robin-son (22) s/o Jamini, Kon- jengbam Anand (22) s/o Ibo-sana and Thokchom Poireiton (47) were hurt in the attack.

The first five victims belong to Uchiwa Wangma while the last two belong to Uchiwa Hayel.

Though five of the victims were taken to RIMS, all the injuries are said to be of minor nature.

Later, a large police team led by Imphal West Additio-nal SP (Ops) K Megha- chandra moved into the area and conducted a search operation.

However, there is no report of any arrest till the time of filing this report.

A tense situation still prevails in the area which is un- der the jurisdiction of Mayang Imphal police station though it is a part of Thoubal district.

On the other hand, a public meeting was held at Uchi- wa Punsi Keithel in the afternoon where a joint action committee was constituted.

Talking by the sideline of the public meeting, social worker NC Luwang said that Lairapung, Sanapat, Mataopung and Wangjingpung located within Ikop Pat are sacred sites of Ikop Ningthou Maru Nongshaba and all these sites are being guarded by the people of Uchiwa since time immemorial.

Ikop Pat is the site where Khamba caught the wild ox of the Khamba-Thoibi legend.

NC Luwang accused the people of Uchiwa Nastao and Khelakhong for encroaching into the sacred area and building fishing/farming huts.

Paddy fields of Ikop Pat are under the occupation of the Ikop Ningthou Yakabung Shemgat-Shagat Lup since many decades back.

People of Uchiwa Wangma and Uchiwa Hayel were cleaning the sacred sites this morning when they were attacked by a large group of people are with shotguns (both double-barrel and single-barrel) .

Demanding immediate arrest of all the assailants together with the firearms, the JAC urged the relevant Government authority to do justice with regard to the land dispute.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered at Mayang Imphal police station in connection with the incident.

Wabagai A/C MLA Fajur Rahim later visited the area.