Pungro admin assesses damage in Zaonger village

21 houses vandalised, 19 burnt; 19 vehicles damagedKiphire, October 13 (MExN): A total of 40 houses were either burnt or vandalised and 19 vehicles damaged or destroyed in Zaonger village, Pungro under Kiphire district during the recent tribal conflict, as per report on Tuesday. The district administration led by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pungro, Hotolu Sema, NCS, along with police personnel, President and representatives from Pungro Area Public Forum visited Zaonger Village on October 12 for a comprehensive assessment of the damages caused by the recent tribal conflict and to facilitate documentation and safe collection of personal belongings of displaced persons, a DIPR report said.The collected belongings were deposited at Pungro Police Station for safe custody, proper documentation and secure handling, and directions have been issued to ensure that the retrieved belongings remain protected till the packages are delivered, it said. According to the report, a total of 21 houses were vandalised while 19 houses were burnt in the village. As many as 19 vehicles were either burnt or damaged in the violence, the report said. While one sumo, one pickup truck and one motorcycle were damaged or capsized, 12 motorcycles, three sumos and one pickup truck were burnt, taking the toll of the number of vehicles burned or damaged to 19.“Cooperation from local representatives and CSO have been instrumental in facilitating coordination and maintaining communication among the stake holders,” it stated.The administration said security arrangements for civilians’ safety, damage assessment and assistance for displaced persons continues to remain priority. “The security has been tightened around the village and the situation continues be closely monitored,” it added.