Maova Village Council has alleged that the village witnessed a “calculated and unjustifiable act of collective violence” on February 13, arising out of a private land dispute involving individuals from Maova.
In a press statement, MVC chairman Sutminlal Vaiphei and and secretary Jangkhohao Hangsing claimed that what began as a private dispute of individuals belonging from Moava, was escalated into a large-scale attack against the village, affecting residents who had no connection with the matter.
It stated that though authorities have brought the situation under control, the damage caused to the village was severe and unacceptable.
According to MVC, at around 10 a.m. nearly one thousand youths mobilised under the banner of the Chakhroma Youth Organization allegedly entered Maova Village and vandalised and set ablaze private properties, homes, shops and vehicles.
It described the incident as organised and coordinated, and not a spontaneous reaction.
The council stated that the issue was earlier raised by Chakhro Public Organization through a letter alleging illegal encroachment on land belonging to Chathe Prayer Centre and Sobu Rio.
It maintained that the village council had responded that the matter was between individuals and could be addressed through customary and administrative mechanisms as land disputes were common in Nagaland.
It said that turning a private disagreement into a communal confrontation was reckless and dangerous.
The council reported that the damages included one dumper truck burnt; three Boleros, one Wagon R, one Maruti 800, one Swift, two Gypsies and one JCB damaged; one Santro car burnt; four bikes and five scooties damaged; 17 roadside shops burnt; three private homes damaged; one community hall, one council guest house, one council office and one council youth office burnt; around 20 mobile phones destroyed; and 50 village council chairs damaged.
It claimed that the affected properties belonged to ordinary villagers and not to the individuals involved in the land dispute. MVC stated that the attempt to drag the name of a prayer centre into the issue and project moral authority while violence was allegedly mobilised on the ground raised serious questions. It maintained that a place associated with prayer and faith should not become a pretext for confrontation or a shield for escalation, and asserted that sacred institutions must not be used, directly or indirectly, to inflame disputes. The council stated that CPO, earlier known as Chakroma Union, was founded with the involvement of Subedar Khupjalet Kuki as its first chairman, adding that this history reflected shared roots and past cooperation between communities.
MVC informed that FIRs have been lodged against those responsible and demanded an impartial and time-bound investigation, identification and prosecution of those who organised and led the alleged attack, full compensation for damaged properties, and continued security presence to prevent further intimidation.
Stating that private disputes should not be escalated into communal confrontation, the council urged that justice be ensured through due process of law.
KGBUC condemns: Kuki GB Union, Chümoukedima (KGBUC) district has strongly condemned the alleged acts of arson, vandalism, and violent attacks reported at Maova village on February 13 around 10:30 a.m.
In a press release, KGBUC chairman Henjakai Singson said information from local sources indicated that several hundred youths from Chakhro Angami were involved in the incident. The union expressed regret that the violence reportedly occurred in the presence of leaders from the Chakhroma Public Organisation.
According to the union, peaceful residents were subjected to intimidation, destruction of property, and physical assault. It further alleged that two women attempting to flee towards nearby paddy fields were harassed and assaulted, describing the act as a grave violation of human dignity, communal harmony, and the rule of law.
KGBUC urged authorities to launch an immediate, impartial investigation, identify those responsible, and initiate legal proceedings. It also called for measures to ensure the safety of Maova residents, provide relief and support to affected individuals, and grant compensation for damaged property.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, coexistence, and the rule of law, the union appealed to community leaders and civil society organisations to exercise restraint, verify facts responsibly, and work collectively to prevent further escalation.
The union expressed solidarity with the affected villagers and urged the administration to act swiftly to uphold justice and restore public confidence.