Kohima: Violent clashes between Tikhir and Yimkhiung communities left 157 people homeless in the Kiusam circle of Kiphire district. The destruction follows a recent outbreak of fighting in Pungro Subdivision. Official data confirms 23 houses were razed.
Pokphur village took a heavy hit. Twelve homes were burnt, five were partially damaged, and a motorcycle went up in flames, displacing 60 residents. Longtsunger village suffered too. Eleven houses burned down and another was vandalized, forcing 83 people to flee. Fourteen more people from Thulun village were displaced as the violence spread.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Longdiba L. Sangtam led an assessment of the damage one day after the fighting started. Deputy Commissioner Temsuwati Longkumer and Superintendent of Police Chinese Chakhesang visited the hit sites on October 13 to survey the wreckage. The state IPR report notes that the current environment is brittle. It stated, "The prevailing law and order situation continues to remain tense but under control."
Security forces are currently holding the line. IR police personnel stand guard at Kiusam Headquarters, Longtsunger, and Pokphur to keep the peace. Authorities are pushing forward with relief and rehabilitation efforts for the families who lost everything.
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