DC Kiphire issues prohibitory orders; Patton calls for calm
Correspondent
KIPHIRE, OCT 10 (NPN): One person was killed and another injured, while several houses were reportedly destroyed or burnt in parts of Kiusam area and Pungro town following a violent dispute between members of the Tikhir and Yimkhiung communities on Saturday.
Police and the district administration were taking measures to manage the situation in Kiphire district.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, were imposed in the affected areas to prevent further escalation and maintain public order.
Prohibitory orders clamped
Amid reports of tensions between members of Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities, the district magistrate (DC) Kiphire has imposed prohibitory orders across Pungro sub-division in Kiphire district, excluding Khongsa block but including Kiusam circle.
In an order, the DM Kiphire Temsuwati Longkumer said the situation in areas where the two communities co-exist, particularly Zaonger, Pokphur and Longtsunger, had raised apprehensions of a possible escalation and breach of peace.
The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, came into immediate effect to prevent any untoward incident and maintain public order and communal harmony.
It has prohibited the assembly of five or more persons where such gatherings were likely to disturb public tranquillity or aggravate inter-community tensions. Carrying firearms, weapons, sharp-edged implements or other objects that could be used to cause injury or intimidation was also prohibited, except by authorised personnel on official duty.
Rallies, processions, public gatherings and other activities likely to provoke confrontation or disturb communal harmony have been barred without prior written permission from the competent authority, wherever legally permissible.
The order also prohibited statements, messages, rumours or other material intended or likely to incite violence, promote hostility between communities or disturb public order. Acts of intimidation, provocation, mobilisation or confrontation that could endanger public safety were similarly prohibited.
Authorised security and law-enforcement personnel performing official duties, as well as gatherings specifically exempted in writing by the competent authority, were excluded from the restrictions, subject to applicable law and safeguards.
The superintendent of police, executive magistrates and administrative officers concerned have been directed to ensure strict enforcement in coordination with the police and other authorities.
Village authorities, community leaders and the public have been urged to cooperate with the administration, exercise restraint and refrain from provocative activities.
The order would remain in force for the period prescribed by law unless modified, extended or rescinded earlier by the competent authority. Violations would invite action under the applicable law, the order stated.
Patton appeals for calm: Deputy chief minister Y Patton has expressed concern over the recent tensions and reported violence between Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities in parts of Kiphire district, appealing to both sides to maintain calm and exercise restraint.
In a press release issued by DyCM’s media cell, Patton took note of the prohibitory orders imposed by the district administration.
He urged both communities to avoid actions that could aggravate the situation and called on all concerned to comply with the district administration’s directives and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in restoring normalcy.
Patton reiterated that differences could be resolved only through peaceful dialogue and urged all parties to work together to safeguard harmony and fraternity in the area.
ENPO, USLP appeal for peace: Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has expressed shock over the reported violence between members of the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities in parts of Kiphire district on October 10 and condemned violence in Eastern Nagaland.
In an appeal, ENPO president Chingmak Chang said the present period was crucial for Eastern Nagaland and stressed the need to move forward in peace and harmony, both within the region and with others.
ENPO appealed to all tribes and citizens of Eastern Nagaland to promote peace and uphold the Christian spirit of love and mutual respect.
It also urged the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) and Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) to take responsibility for their respective communities, take urgent steps to stop the violence and work towards restoring normalcy.
USLP: United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP) has cautioned individuals and groups against creating law-and-order problems or provoking tensions within its jurisdiction in Kiphire district.
In a notification, USLP joint secretary and vice-president in-charge A. Island Peace Yangthsaba and executive committee convener Selongba Sangtam urged all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and cooperate with the district administration and law-enforcement agencies.
USLP said any individual or group found violating the directive would be responsible for the consequences of their actions.