Torching of excavator sparks dash in Kangpokpi
Source: Chronicle News Service / NNN
Imphal, March 28 2023:
Several people were left injured after a clash broke out between the villagers of Leilon and Konsaram (Konsakhul) under Leimakhong police station in Kangpokpi district on Tuesday, following the burning of an excavator (JCB) by unknown miscreants.
According to a police report, owing to prolonged land dispute between Leilon and Konsaram (Konsakhul), a makeshift wall had been erected between the two villages.
The wall was dismantled by Konsakhul villagers a few days ago.
Later, on March 26, the villagers en gaged an excavator to construct a road leading to Konsaram.
On the way back to the village (Konsaram), Lei lon residents detained a Konsaram villager, who was said to be involved in dismantling of the wall.
This sparked tension between the two villages, leading to the excavator set on fire and causing damages to other properties.
On receiving news of the incident, a team of Kangpokpi district police arrived and rescued the detained villager, while Saparmeina PS registered a case in this regard.
On Monday, the additional SP of Kangpokpi district met with the chiefs of the two villages to defuse the tension.
However, on Tuesday morning, tension again erupted, leading to clashes, leaving many injured on both sides.
After being informed of the incident, additional teams of Kangpokpi district police rushed in and took control of the situation, to prevent further clashes.
Meanwhile, All Khurkhul United Club president, Apunba Khurkhul Nupui Chaokhat Lup secretary and DDC Kanto Sabal assistant general secretary issued a joint press release, urging the government to resolve the conflict between Leilon village and Konsaram (Konsakhul) at the earliest.
The release then warned of in tense agitations with villagers of Khurkhul, Kanto, Chingmang, Kanto Sabal and Senjam Chirang, in case of failing to do so.
It farther appealed for allowing representatives of the surrounding villages in resolving the situation.
On the other hand, Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, Manipur (LNKR-M) alleged that on March 26 around 7:30 pm, D Lungengbou s/o D Dirangbou and Ch Rocky s/o (L) Ch Achun, both hailing from Konsaram (Kon-sakhul), were brutally assaulted and almost murdered by Leilon Vaiphei villagers at their village itself, while the victims were returning from Leimakhong on a Scooty (MN01AC5485).LNKR said that the two-wheeler was burnt to ashes without any reason by the Leilon Vaiphei villagers.
A JCB excavator owned by one Edal Singh of Singjamei, was also vandalised on t he same day and place, according to the Liangmai student body.
"Moreover, a group of tourists coming to Konsakhul waterfall and some pilgrims coming from Imphal for the purpose of pilgrimage to Kounu Leirembi were also stopped and harassed at the village by Leilon Vaiphei villagers without any reason.
In the incident, two innocent civilians were abducted and life attempt was made on the fateful evening by the Leilon Vaiphei villagers," LNKR-M alleged.
Although the immediate intervention of Leimakhong police station calmed the situation down to some extent, but "unfortunately, the two innocent people were physically assaulted in the police station, which was strongly condemned by the Liangmai student body.
"Considering the whole scenario, LNKR seeks the attention of the Chief Minister to immediately suspend all those police officers involved," it demanded.
Subsequently, on March 28, a team of "goodwill mission" from Konsakhul village, who came to enquire about the incident, was brutally assaulted by Leilon Vaiphei villagers.
More than 20 people were badly injured and two were in serious condition.
They are currently being treated at Raj Medicity, said the student body.
"Sadly, the police officers and personnel deployed at the spot were from a particular community which unfortunately had a biased attitude towards the Konsaram villagers," LNKR alleged.
The student body then appealed to all right-thinking citizens to condemn "such heinous crimes and savage acts perpetrated by the Leilon Vaiphei villagers in our area".
It further appealed to the state government to book the culprits and give befitting punishments, as per the law of the land, and also look after the innocent civilians, who sustained grievous injuries.
LNKR-M then warned that it will exercise its democratic rights and launch intense agitation, if the state government fails to book all the culprits.
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