Situation in Pungro & Shamator under control: Police

Morung Express NewsDimapur | October 12The situation in Kiphire’s Pungro sub-division and Shamator district headquarters was reported to have calmed down following the communal flare up over the past two days. According to Kiphire police sources, Pungro sub-division has not reported any untoward incident since the October 10 violence that included exchange of gunfire, vandalism and arson. The violence claimed one live and wounded one. The sources said that the situation was under control as on October 12, evening, and that restrictions promulgated under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were still imposed. In Shamator town, the situation, as on Monday evening, was described as “tense but under control.” A Shamator police source said, “Right now normalcy has returned. Police and administration are enforcing the prohibitory orders promulgated on October 10,” while adding that the district headquarters and neighbouring Shamator village was reinforced with additional police deployments. The prohibitory orders were promulgated by the Deputy Commissioner, Shamator. Atleast two companies of the NAP (IR) were requisitioned after targeted violence erupted in Shamator town on October 11 as an upshot of the communal tension in Pungro on October 10. Atleast seven houses were reported burned and an unspecified number vandalised in Shamator town on Sunday. Despite a non-existent fire brigade in the newly created district, official sources said that the fires were brought under control. “Fortunately, a few fire extinguisher canisters lying unused at the SP’s office came in handy,” a source said.  Restrictions on assembly of people, carrying of prohibited weapons were still in place.  Deputy CM Patton calls for calm in KiphireNagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton has appealed to the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities to maintain calm amid tensions and reported violence in Kiphire district.Patton expressed concern over the violence and urged both communities to exercise restraint, comply with prohibitory orders issued by the district administration under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to restore normalcy. He said differences could be resolved only through peaceful dialogue and called on all parties to protect harmony and fraternity in the area.The Deputy Chief Minister, meanwhile, urged all concerned to cooperate with the district administration and law enforcement agencies to restore normalcy and prevent further escalation.NBCC urges efforts to rebuild trust in KiphireThe Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has appealed to the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities to exercise restraint and work towards reconciliation amid the recent violence, while calling on churches across Nagaland to pray for peace. The NBCC also called on the State Government, tribal bodies, village authorities and civil society organisations to work together to restore normalcy.A press release from the NBCC said that the violence in Kiphire has caused “suffering, fear, and uncertainty,” particularly among affected families and communities. The NBCC prayed that “God would comfort the distressed, protect lives, and guide everyone towards peace and reconciliation.” It said misunderstandings, mistrust and differences could deepen divisions during times of tension.However, it maintained that “no misunderstanding is beyond the possibility of resolution” if there was a willingness to listen, exercise restraint and seek a peaceful way forward.“Violence only causes further suffering and widens the distance between communities,” it stated, urging all concerned to refrain from actions and words that could escalate the situation and instead pursue “dialogue, mutual understanding, and reconciliation.” It urged leaders to “facilitate meaningful dialogue, address the issues with fairness and sensitivity, and create an atmosphere in which peace and mutual trust can be restored.” The NBCC stressed that a peaceful resolution required collective responsibility, patience and a genuine willingness to understand one another.“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it also requires a commitment to justice, forgiveness, understanding, and respect for the dignity of every person,” it stated, adding that differences should not become reasons for hostility. The NBCC further appealed to churches, pastors, church leaders and Christian families across Nagaland to “pray fervently for peace between the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities.”It called for prayers for wisdom for the State Government and other leaders, protection for innocent lives, and an end to bitterness and mistrust. The council also urged both communities to uphold mutual respect and work towards restoring peaceful relationships, stating that “the well-being of our people and the future of our communities are far more important than allowing differences to deepen into prolonged hostility.”“As fellow human beings and neighbours, we share the responsibility to preserve peace, harmony, and peaceful coexistence,” the NBCC stated.