Nagaland: 4 injured in Kisama gunpowder mishap

At least four persons were injured on Tuesday following a gunpowder explosion at the Sangtam Morung in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, where the Hornbill Festival is underway.
Preliminary reports said the incident occurred while gunpowder was being roasted as part of a traditional practice involving muzzle-loading firearms. Officials confirmed the blast took place during the handling of locally prepared gunpowder.
Sangtam Union Kohima general secretary Chumdiakum said the injured were Konyak men engaged by the Union to manage the muzzle-loading gun and gunpowder. He added that no tourists were harmed, and the injuries initially appeared minor.
The injured were first taken to the emergency unit at Kisama and later shifted to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).
Updated medical reports indicated that one individual sustained major burn injuries requiring specialised treatment, while the remaining three suffered minor to moderate burns. All four are under medical supervision at NHAK.
Although the explosion occurred inside the Sangtam Morung, handling of the gunpowder had reportedly been assigned to the Konyak workers. Authorities are still assessing the exact cause of the incident.
Festival organisers and the Sangtam Union said the situation is under control and assured that further updates will be provided as more details emerge.