Three houses, five vehicles set ablaze
18 hurt in internal village clash
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 17 2021: In an ugly development, at least 18 persons were injured and as many as three houses and five vehicles were set ablaze in a confrontation among people of Charoi Pandongba (Pongringlong) village under Kangchup-Geljang sub-division in Kangpokpi district.

According to sources, the scuffle broke out at around 10.30 am with one group of villagers supporting resettlement of the family of a banished village chief (Khullakpa) of Charoi Pandongba and others opposing the move.

The heated exchange of words ultimately led to a clash with the two sides hurling stones at each other some using slingshots leaving four villagers injured, sources said.

The condition of one of the four injured persons is said to be critical and he has been rushed to Imphal for treatment while the three others are said to have been admitted at PHC Noney.

Three houses, five vehicles set ablaze

It is also believed that more persons including police personnel may have been injured during the confrontation.

The sources also maintained that three houses and one pan shop were gutted in a fire and reduced to cinders during the incident.

Timely act of the villagers stopped the spread of the fire and further damage of properties was prevented.

Moreover, four vehicles parked along the highway were also torched during the scuffle and two got completely burnt.

The situation was however brought under control after Kangpokpi DC, Somorjit Salam; Noney DC, Roberth Singh Kshetrimayum; DIG-III, Themthing Ngasangva; DIG-IV, Kamei Angam Romanus; Kangpokpi SP, PG Singsit and Noney SP, Ningshen Vashum rushed to the spot.

It is said that the chief and his 6 family members were ostracised from the village allegedly for selling village land without the consent of the villagers and carrying out other self centred activities and the family was forced to take shelter at Charoi Chagotlong (Tupul) village.

Following the exclusion, a 'JAC for Restoration of Peace and Normalcy in Pongringlung' was making efforts for resettlement of the family in the village, the sources said.

The altercation broke out with members of the JAC entering Pongringlung village where Section 144 of CrPC was already imposed by District Magistrates of Kangpokpi and Noney since yesterday, the sources added.

Following the incident, a meeting participated by civil society organisations, top police officials and JAC members was convened at Tupul, it said while adding that security measures have been taken up to prevent further deterioration of the situation in the area.