Prohibitory Orders Imposed in Manipur's Ukhrul After Gunfight Over Cleaning Land

Imphal: After a gunfight broke out between two groups on Wednesday over cleaning a plot of land as part of 'Swachhata Abhiyan', prohibitory orders were imposed in Manipur 's Ukhrul town. Several people were injured in the gunfight and the Assam Rifles were deployed to control the situation, police said.

Both sides belong to the Naga community but hail from two different villages, and lay claim to the land, said officials.

Ukhrul Sub-Divisional Magistrate D Kamei, in the order imposing the restrictions, referred to a letter from the SP expressing "apprehension" over "social work" organized by the Thawaijao Hungpung Young Students' Organisation (THYSO), and the objection raised by the Hunphun Village Authority in the Hunphun area.

The order stated: "And in connection with land dispute between Hunphun and Hungpung villages there is possibility creating law and order problem which may lead to breach of peace and public tranquillity between the two villages. And whereas, such disturbances may result in serious breaches of peace, public tranquillity, and danger to human lives and properties."

"Now, therefore... exercising the powers conferred under Sub-section 1 of Section 163 BNSS, 2023, hereby issue an order prohibiting the movement of any person outside their respective residences and any other act or activity that could disturb the prevailing law and order in the Scheduled area from 9:30 AM on 2nd October, 2024 until further orders," the order added.

Earlier in the day, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had urged all communities to engage in political discussions to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state. Speaking on the occasion of National Cleanliness Day, Singh said, "On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday, as well as National Cleanliness Day, I urge everyone to embrace the spirit of truth, non-violence, and cleanliness to make the state clean."

He emphasised, "Let’s believe in ahimsa and non-violence and engage in political talks to resolve the crisis in the state."

The CM and MLAs also paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation at the Gandhi Hall. Talking to reporters on the status of two missing youths, Singh said, "We are making efforts to rescue them. We have faith we will succeed."

Singh had earlier said the DGP has been asked to secure the release of two of the three youths who were allegedly abducted by militants in Kangpokpi district on September 27. One of them has already been rescued by security forces and handed over to police.