DIMAPUR, OCT 14 (NPN): A delegation of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) held prayer and consultation meetings with the Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) at Kiusam and the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) at Shamator on October 14, appealing to both communities to uphold peace and pursue reconciliation.
The meetings were attended by public leaders, representatives of various associations and church leaders.
NBCC delegation engaged with both communities in a spirit of prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance amid the prevailing situation.
The council appealed to the communities to strengthen mutual understanding and encouraged their leaders and members to exercise wisdom, restraint and forgiveness. NBCC stressed the importance of dialogue and peaceful coexistence in resolving differences.
NBCC also reaffirmed its commitment to praying and working towards lasting peace, reconciliation and harmony between the communities.
23 houses burnt, over 150 displaced in Kiusam area
At least 23 houses were burnt and five partially damaged in Pokphur and Longtsunger villages following the recent tribal conflict in the Kiusam area under Kiphire district, displacing more than 150 people, according to a preliminary assessment by the district administration.
According to a DIPR report, the administration, led by additional deputy commissioner (ADC), Kiphire headquarters, Longdiba L Sangtam, along with officials in charge of the affected areas, began a detailed assessment of damaged properties and displaced families following the outbreak of violence.
In Pokphur village, 12 houses were burnt, five partially damaged and one motorcycle burnt, displacing 60 people, the assessment found.
In Longtsunger village, 11 houses were burnt and one was vandalised, displacing 83 people. Another 14 people from Thulun village were reported displaced at the time of filing this report.
Deputy commissioner (DC) Kiphire Temsuwati Longkumer and superintendent of police Kiphire Chinese Chakhesang also visited the affected villages under Kiusam circle on October 13, accompanied by officials in charge of the area.
India Reserve (IR) personnel have been deployed at Kiusam headquarters, Longtsunger and Pokphur to maintain law and order. Relief and rehabilitation efforts were also continuing, the administration said. The law and order situation remained tense but under control.