Authorities in Manipur’s Tamenglong district have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC following a violent clash between two groups that left at least 25 people injured and a government office torched. The escalation of tensions has once again spotlighted the fragile law and order situation in certain parts of the northeastern state.
The violence reportedly broke out due to a land dispute between residents of two Naga villages, leading to stone-pelting, physical altercations, and the destruction of public property, including the torching of a local administrative office.
Violence Erupts Over Inter-Village Dispute
According to police officials, the clash occurred when members from two neighboring villages confronted each other over an ongoing land boundary disagreement. What began as a heated verbal exchange quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, resulting in injuries to at least 25 individuals from both sides.
Among the injured were elderly villagers and youths, several of whom sustained head injuries and fractures. They were rushed to Tamenglong District Hospital and nearby health centers for treatment. While no fatalities have been reported, some of the injured are said to be in critical condition.
Government Office Set on Fire
In a shocking turn of events during the clash, a group of unidentified individuals allegedly set fire to a government office building, leading to the destruction of important documents and official equipment. The office was reportedly linked to the local land records and administration, which may have been a target due to the nature of the dispute.
Firefighters and emergency services reached the site but could do little to save the structure, which was already engulfed in flames. Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the arson.
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Section 144 Imposed to Control Tensions
To prevent further escalation and maintain peace, the district administration has imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), banning the assembly of five or more people and restricting public movement in affected areas. Security forces, including Manipur Police and paramilitary units, have been deployed to sensitive locations across Tamenglong to monitor the situation.
Speaking to the media, a senior district official said, “The imposition of prohibitory orders is a precautionary measure to prevent further violence. We are urging community leaders to maintain peace and assist law enforcement in restoring normalcy.”
Calls for Peace and Mediation
Local leaders, civil society organizations, and community elders have called for calm and urged both villages to engage in dialogue and peaceful resolution of the land dispute. Many have condemned the violence and destruction of public property, highlighting the need for stronger conflict resolution mechanisms in the region.
“We appeal to all parties to refrain from violence and seek resolution through legal and administrative channels. No issue is worth the loss of life or injury,” said a spokesperson from a regional peace committee.
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Background: History of Inter-Village Clashes
Tamenglong district, predominantly inhabited by Naga communities, has a history of inter-village conflicts, often rooted in land ownership, jurisdictional claims, and ethnic identity. Despite various peace-building efforts over the years, such disputes occasionally flare up into violent confrontations.
Experts point to the lack of clearly demarcated boundaries and weak enforcement of land laws as key contributors to recurring tensions.
Urgent Need for Long-Term Solutions
The clash in Tamenglong that left 25 injured and a government office destroyed is a grim reminder of the underlying tensions in Manipur’s rural and tribal belts. While the imposition of prohibitory orders may temporarily quell unrest, long-term peace can only be achieved through transparent land policies, active community engagement, and effective dispute resolution frameworks.
Authorities are urging residents to cooperate with the police and respect the imposed restrictions, as investigations continue to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable.
