DIMAPUR: The Pokphur Yimkhiung Community has alleged that 39 houses were burnt down and 18 others damaged during the October 10 incident, leaving 98 people displaced and stranded in Pungro town.
In a press note, the Pokphur Yimkhiung Community said the statement was issued to place the “undeniable facts before the public”, clarify the sequence of events that transpired on October 10, and highlight what it described as the “unprovoked devastation brought upon the peaceful village”.
While stating that the incident originated outside its village jurisdiction, the community claimed that a coordinated and violent attack was launched while residents were peacefully engaged in their daily activities. It said the incident stemmed from internal conflicts in neighbouring Zaonger village and that Pokphur had no involvement in the dispute.
The statement claimed that expelled members of Zaonger village were brought towards Pokphur following the internal disagreement.
It clarified that the Pokphur Yimkhiung Community had no part in the internal political affairs or disputes of its neighbouring village, yet Pokphur was unfairly made the focal point of the unrest and became a victim. It alleged that a mob comprising Tikhir youth volunteers subsequently targeted the village, vandalising properties and setting houses on fire, shattering the peace of the shared community. It said the destruction had reduced family homes, granaries and personal belongings to ashes, leaving the affected families homeless and traumatised.
Condemning the incident, the Pokphur Yimkhiung Community said it had always stood for peaceful coexistence. While expressing grief over the loss of homes and property, the community demanded accountability and justice for those affected, besides immediate protection and assistance for the displaced residents.
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