Three villagers were reported to have killed after a violent clash between villagers of Lunghar and Sihai at Phangrei hill top — about 25km from Ukhrul town, while few others were also said to have sustained serious injury on Saturday.

The violent incident took place at about 1pm today — when Sihai youth, both men and women were picnicking at Phangrei hill top, a favourite tourist spot, and were reportedly attacked by Lunghar villagers.

In the melee, a man identified as Riton Khangrah was killed on the spot, while two others namely Pamreiyo Khangrah and Ramung Khangrah later succumbed to injury in Ukhrul town as they were taken for medical help. The latter two were brothers and Ramung Khangrah was said to be a policeman posted in Ukhrul.

One seriously injured has been rushed to Imphal and the number of injured persons could not be ascertained till filing of this report,    
This morning, according to reliable sources, a misunderstanding cropped up after the Sihai picnickers refused to pay visitation fee at registration booth manned by Lunghar villagers at the base of Phangrei. In this wake, a mob from Lunghar village came and attacked the picnickers on the hill top in the afternoon.

For the past many years, Phangrei hill range has been a bone of contention between the Lunghar and Sihai. There has been a longstanding dispute over the land—a popular spot for local tourists all the year round.

However, the tourist site that boasts of a vast emerald meadow is presently being managed by Lunghar villagers.
This morning after a quarrel at Phangrei base, reliable reports said, Lunghar villagers sounded a beacon bell and gathered at a village, which is situated about 7kms away along the National Highway 150. Later, the villagers attacked the Sihai picnickers, who escaped in helter-skelter from the spot.

Police was rushed to the site later in the evening and was said to have taken stock of the situation.
Tension in both the villages has been reported to be high. Locals feared the situation may get worse unless there was a proper intervention from higher authorities.