Imphal: Two civilians and one Manipur Rifles personnel died and several others were injured as tension escalated between two villages in Ukhrul over a longstanding land dispute on Wednesday.
A confrontation took place after villagers of Hunphun reportedly interrupted cleaning on an area, where Punjab National Bank locates, by students of Hungpung in connection with Gandhi Jayanti.
Tensions escalated between Hunphun and Hungpung villages resulting in the deaths of two civilians and one personnel of the 6 Manipur Rifles.
The confrontation involved an exchange of gunfire.
The deceased civilians were identified as Reileiwung Hongray and Silas Zingkhai. The deceased 6th Manipur Rifle personnel was identified as rifleman Worinmi Thumbra..
According to a villagers, About 30 villagers were injured in the incident.
Security teams were reinforced in the area to stop the escalating tension. They fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowds of both sides.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Ukhrul has imposed a prohibition order restricting movement and banning activities that could disrupt law and order. Internet service has been banned in Ukhrul town.
Leishiyo Keishing, MLA – Phungyar AC; Khashim Vashum, Transport, Vety. and AH minister; and Ram Muivah, MLA Ukhrul AC appealed the confronting villagers to step back from further escalation.
“With a heart weighed down by sorrow, we stand before you today as ono of your own, pleading for peace…” said the three people representatives.
“Let us not allow this moment to shatter what generations have built. No victory can be found in the paim of our brothers and sisters. Let us pause, reflect, and remember that our strength lies in unity, not division. Every heart that bleeds today is a wound on our shared soul.”
“We humbly appeal to each one of you to step back from the brink of funher escalation…”
The MLAs and minister conveyed their ‘deepest condolences to the bereaved famiIies.
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