Tension in Ukhrul over killing of 2 hunters

IMPHAL, December 29, 2012: Tension runs high at Kamjong in Ukhrul district as the dead bodies of the two hunters lie in state amidst series of meetings carried out by all the frontal organizations of Ukhrul districts. The dead bodies of K. Kuma (48) and Ramshang (40), both from Kongkan village will be taken to Ukhrul district on Sunday morning and will be followed by a public meeting. The two hunters were killed by gunmen yesterday.

Meanwhile, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) President Yangmi Kapai said though tension is running high, they are appealing for calm. “We are appealing everyone to restrain themselves from indulging in any violent activity,” said Yangmi Kapai. He said the situation has been tense in the aftermath of the indefinite bandh in the valley districts as a result of the Chandel incident. “Yesterday’s killing incident has added fuel in the fire,” the TKS chief stated.

Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles claimed that not long back it had come to the rescue of two warring villages Phungyar and  Sihai at the picnic spot between the two villages.

“This time again the Assam Rifles ventured into thick jungles in proximity to IB ie Khongkhan area on December 27 after firing shots were heard by villagers of Khongkhan. Police party being lesser in number and the area being believed to be highly frequented by undergrounds of all hues, the Assam Rifles with the usual gusto rushed out along with police personnel,” the Assam Rifles said today.

In the incident, two Tangkhul villagers of Khongkhan (near Kamjong /Chassad) were allegedly shot by valley based insurgents on December 27, the Assam Rifles alleged.  “The villagers had gone for hunting deep inside the jungles prior to the incident. Exact details are still being ascertained. The incident assumed significance especially in light of the Livingstone issue which has already allegedly caused rift between the communities. The molestation incident had let to bandhs and the counters bandhs in the Imphal Valley,” the Assam Rifles added.

“Consequent to the incident, the AR Bn at Kamjong, Chassad engaged the locals, prominent people and headmen.
All were requested to refrain from violent activities, remain peaceful and true to earlier spirit and traditions of Assam Rifles, harmony was retained. The Police was extended full assistance by the Assam Rifles to recover the bodies of the deceased. As a supporting gesture, protection was provided to about eight valley trader families who are working in Chassad. Frontal organizations in Ukhrul, the district administration, Police and Assam Rifles are coordinating efforts for peaceful resolution of the situation. Investigations are presently on to ascertain the exact cause of the incident. Assam Rifles continues to maintain calm and peace in the area and coordinate and assist various agencies in resolving the issue as in the past,” the Assam Rifles said.