Fresh arson in Shamator follows deadly Yimkhiung-Tikhir violence, prompting security deployment, restrictions and appeals for peace from community organisations
DIMAPUR — Three to four houses were allegedly set ablaze in Shamator town on Sunday afternoon, a day after violence between members of the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities left one person dead, another injured and several houses burnt or vandalised in neighbouring Kiphire district.
No loss of life was reported in Sunday's incident, according to sources. The fresh arson came despite appeals for restraint and efforts by the authorities to contain the tensions.
According to a DIPR update on Sunday, the situation in Pungro subdivision of Kiphire district was tense but under control following the violence on October 10. It stated that eight houses were vandalised and six burnt in Pungro town, displacing more than 47 people.
In Zaonger village, 40 houses were burnt or vandalised, displacing several residents. One person was killed and another injured in Longtsunger village, both belonging to the Tikhir community.
It reported that the violence erupted amid celebrations of Tsonglak-Nyi festival of the Tikhir community in villages across Zaonger and Longtsunger. The incidents triggered tensions between the two communities in the subdivision.
Also read: One reportedly killed, houses torched in Kiphire violence
Kiphire administration urges restraint after deadly violence
The district administration and police rushed to the affected areas after receiving reports of the violence but were met with resistance that prevented them from entering, it stated. The administration and police were working to relocate affected residents to safer places and restore law and order, it added.
At the time of filing this report, a team from the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) was on its way to the area for a coordination meeting.
Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel have been deployed in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the Shamator district administration has imposed restrictions on public gatherings and rallies in the town and villages to prevent further violence.
In an order dated October 10, Shamator Deputy Commissioner Arikumba invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, restricting assemblies of five or more people likely to disturb public peace. Rallies, demonstrations and processions likely to cause unrest have also been restricted, along with activities that could endanger lives and property.
In neighbouring Kiphire district, Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer issued an advisory urging residents to refrain from provocative statements, intimidation, physical confrontation and the circulation of unverified information.
The administration identified Zaonger, Pokphur and Longtsunger as sensitive areas and called on village councils, gaon burahs, tribal organisations and community leaders to discourage retaliation and resolve differences through dialogue. It warned that violations of prohibitory orders would invite legal action.
The United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC), in an appeal issued on Sunday, expressed concern over the incidents and urged both communities to exercise restraint and seek a lasting solution through dialogue. It conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Separately, the Yimkhiung Tribal Council urged people within its jurisdiction to maintain peace and refrain from violence or damage to houses, warning that violations would invite punitive action.