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Ukhrul Confronts 2nd October Violence: Six Key Demands for Justice and Resolution

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Ukhrul Confronts 2nd October Violence: Six Key Demands for Justice and Resolution

Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Oct 10:

Following the tragic incident on 2nd October, life in Ukhrul is slowly returning to normal, but rumors and misinformation continue to spread, fueling public unrest. To clear the air, the Ukhrul/Hunphun Village Authority convened a press conference at Awungtang, Ukhrul, on Wednesday. The headman of Ukhrul/Hunphun, Qr. Khayaiwo HA, outlined six critical demands to address the aftermath and prevent future conflicts.
Khayaiwo emphasized that the violence, which claimed three lives and left over 25 people injured, could have been avoided if the district magistrate and SP of Ukhrul had acted swiftly and responsibly. Despite the promulgation of Section 163 BNSS on the day of the incident, local authorities allegedly failed to enforce the law, allowing tensions to escalate.
The Hunphun Village Authority issued the following six demands for immediate government action:
1. Immediate Transfer of Key Officials: The district magistrate, SDO, and SP of Ukhrul must be transferred for their failure to maintain law and order during the incident.
2. Legal Action Against THYSO Leaders: The President and Secretary of the Thawaijao Hungpung Young Students Organisation (THYSO) should be prosecuted for inciting violence under the guise of a cleanliness drive, which triggered the deadly conflict.
3. Expedited Resolution of Land Dispute: The pending land dispute between Hunphun and Hundung villages boundary must be resolved swiftly by the government to restore peace and prevent future conflicts.
4. Compensation for Victims’ Families: Ex-gratia compensation and government jobs should be provided to the families of the two deceased civilians and the Manipur Rifle personnel who lost their lives.
5. Support for the Injured: All injured persons, many of whom are still hospitalized, should receive immediate ex-gratia compensation from the government.
6. No Retaliation Against Hunphun Officers: Hunphun police officers and personnel must not be victimized or blamed for the incident, as alleged by Hundung village.
Eno Khayui Raleng, one of the Hunphun leaders, recounted the escalation of the violence, accusing THYSO of provoking the situation by defying village customary law. Despite warnings and official notifications from the Ukhrul/Hunphun Village Authority on 1st October, THYSO went ahead with the disputed cleanliness drive in the restricted area between Ngaphar and Thingrasa. This area, Raleng clarified, falls under Hunphun’s jurisdiction.
On the morning of 2nd October, a coordination meeting was held at the SP’s office, involving representatives from Ukhrul/Hunphun, the SDO, SP, and the Commandant of 18 Assam Rifles. While the meeting seemed to end with an understanding, tensions were not fully diffused. Later that day, the youths of Hungpung village, along with armed miscreants from Hundung, broke through security barricades and proceeded with their activities in the prohibited area.
Tragically, what began as a minor confrontation spiraled into violence. According to Raleng, a video circulated by THYSO prior to the incident showed them taunting the Ukhrul/Hunphun people, daring them to engage in a shootout. Around 10:30 am, armed miscreants from Hundung ambushed the Ukhrul/Hunphun crowd, resulting in the deadly shootout. Shockingly, security forces stationed nearby allegedly failed to intervene, allowing the violence to unfold unchecked.
Ql. Timwon L. Shimray, President of Hunphun Shanao Long, states, In the aftermath of the attack, the enraged Ukhrul/Hunphun villagers stormed the police station, demanding action. The failure of the police to protect the villagers during the ambush, compounded by the violation of the prohibitory orders, fueled public outrage. In their desperation, some members of the mob seized weapons from the police station and retaliated against the armed Hundung groups.
Qr. Swaraj Samuel L. Shimray, Chairman of Ukhrul Hunphun Executive Council( UHEC) condemned the failure of local law enforcement and called for urgent government intervention to bring justice to the victims. He also demanded the removal of illegal constructions on community land, including government structures within Hunphun’s jurisdiction.

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