Shamator Council condemns attacks on Tikhir properties, seeks probe

Shamator, October 16 (MExN): The Shamator Village Council (SVC) has condemned the alleged arson, vandalism, intimidation and destruction of Tikhir community properties in Shamator town, demanding an impartial investigation and action against those responsible.In a condemnation statement issued on October 16, the council said the incidents had destroyed properties and disrupted the lives, livelihoods and aspirations of families who had struggled for decades to rebuild their futures after previous violence.The council said tensions arising in Pungro subdivision of Kiphire district should not be used as a pretext to target innocent Tikhir residents and their properties in Shamator town.Stating that Shamator village had historically upheld peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and harmony, the council described the continued victimisation of Tikhir residents as alarming and unacceptable.According to the statement, houses were reportedly burned and vandalised over three consecutive days, while schoolbags, books, children's belongings and essential documents were destroyed. The council raised questions about the preventive measures taken by the district administration and the adequacy of security arrangements to protect affected residents.The SVC also referred to allegations that women wearing traditional Yimkhiung attire obstructed security personnel from reaching affected locations. It further cited reports that certain individuals had directed Yimkhiung tenants to vacate rented accommodations belonging to Tikhir residents before the destruction of properties.The council called for an impartial investigation into these allegations and demanded accountability for those found responsible.Criticising what it described as a lack of proactive response from the district administration, the SVC urged the local MLA representing the 58 Shamator Assembly Constituency to address the suffering of affected residents impartially, rising above political and community considerations.The council also recalled that the land on which Shamator town's administrative headquarters stands was originally donated by Shamator village, expressing regret over the plight of those affected.The SVC outlined several demands, including immediate legal action against those responsible for arson, vandalism and intimidation without favouritism or political interference; a thorough investigation into the incidents, including the alleged obstruction of security personnel and administrative lapses; and fair compensation for verified losses suffered by affected families, churches, shopkeepers and tenants.It also called for immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance, adequate security deployment to protect vulnerable residents and prevent further retaliation or displacement, and a transparent response from the district administration and elected representatives detailing steps to restore peace and normalcy.Maintaining that collective victimisation was unjustifiable, the council appealed to the state government and district administration to act without further delay and ensure equal protection under the law for every citizen.