Nagaland: Prohibitory orders in Dimapur after arson

Kohima, Apr 23: Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC were promulgated in Purana Bazar and Diphupar areas of Dimapur after an irate mob of Sumi community burnt down 28 houses, official sources today said.

The sources said the Dimapur district authority promulgated the order following the arson yesterday in which 13 houses were reduced to ashes and 15 partially damaged in Wungram Colony in Purana Bazar area.

At least four vehicles were badly damaged during the attack.

However, there was no casualty, as the arsonists gave safe passage to the inhabitants before torching their houses. The residents had taken shelter in a field and were later evacuated to safer places by the Church leaders and NGOs.

The incident reportedly occurred following the beating up of two youths from the Sumi community by some Tangkhul members in Wungram Colony on Saturday night. Enraged Sumi community members attacked the houses in the Wungram Colony yesterday.

The area is inhabited by the Tangkhuls along with some of the top leaders of NSCN(IM), including the outfit's 'army chief' Hangshe, convenor of Steering Committee Rh Raising, Khayao Huray and some others.

Senior NSCN(IM) Kilonser(minister) V Tuccu, who attempted to dissuade the mob, was also reportedly manhandled.

A few hundred strong Dao(machete)-wielding mob, which later swelled to 2,000-3,000, did not allow the Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police, senior security force officials and even the fire tenders, into the colony for more than seven hours. All of them were stranded at the entrance of the colony.

Nagaland Commissioner T N Mannen and Director General of Police J Changkija rushed to Dimapur on the instruction of Nagaland Home Minister Thenucho and was still camping there to defuse the tension.

The situation was said to be under control.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today regretted the ugly incident and described the vandalism as unfortunate.

He said, ''There is no place for violence and vandalism in a civilized world and all must condemn such unwarranted acts of violence.'' He appleaed to all concerned to restrain themselves and resolve differences through the rich traditional customary institution.

''Let good sense and reason prevail and preserve to co-exist in harmony among the people, he said.

UNI