Kohima: Authorities have imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, across Pungro Sub-Division in Nagaland’s Kiphire district, amid reports of rising tensions between members of the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities.
The order, issued in view of apprehensions of a possible escalation and breach of peace, covers the entire Pungro Sub-Division, excluding Khongsa Block but including Kiusam Circle.
The restrictions prohibit assemblies of five or more persons likely to disturb public tranquillity, carrying weapons or sharp-edged implements, and organising rallies, processions or public gatherings likely to provoke confrontation without the requisite permission. The circulation of statements or rumours intended or likely to incite violence or hostility between communities is also prohibited.
The order further prohibits acts of intimidation, provocation or mobilisation likely to endanger public safety or disrupt law and order.
Authorised security personnel performing official duties and activities specifically exempted in writing by the competent authority are excluded from the restrictions, subject to applicable law.
The Superintendent of Police, Kiphire, along with concerned Executive Magistrates and administrative officials, has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order. Village authorities, community leaders and members of the public have also been urged to exercise restraint and cooperate with the administration in maintaining peace.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton said the government was closely monitoring the situation and appealed to all communities to exercise utmost restraint.
In a post on X, Patton urged all concerned to refrain from actions or statements that could escalate tensions and resolve differences through dialogue, mutual understanding and respect.
“Let peace, unity and brotherhood prevail for the collective well-being of all,” he said.
The Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) has condemned the reported acts of violence, vandalism, killings and burning of houses allegedly committed against members of the Tikhir community in Zaonger and Longtsunger villages during the celebration of the Tikhir Tsonglaknyi festival.
In a statement, the TTC said the alleged incidents were contrary to the spirit of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and brotherhood between the Tikhir and Yimkhiung communities.
Describing Tsonglaknyi as a traditional and cultural occasion of the Tikhir community, the council said the observance of one community’s festival should not cause loss or prejudice to another.
It maintained that any differences concerning land or other matters in Zaonger and Longtsunger should be addressed through dialogue and established legal and administrative mechanisms rather than violence, intimidation or destruction of property.
The TTC said the alleged burning of houses, attacks on people and disruption of cultural and religious observances would deepen mistrust and fuel resentment between the two communities.
The council also recalled that the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) had declared Eastern Nagaland a peace zone, stating that the reported incidents ran counter to the spirit of peaceful coexistence and efforts to maintain harmony in the region.
Calling for a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation, the TTC urged law-enforcement agencies and the administration to identify those responsible and take action under the relevant provisions of law.
The council reiterated its commitment to resolving inter-community disputes through peaceful dialogue, historical understanding and constitutional and legal processes, while safeguarding the rights, dignity, security and cultural identity of the Tikhir people.
It also appealed to the state government to provide immediate relief and ex-gratia assistance to the families of one deceased and others who were injured, along with compensation for those whose houses and properties were allegedly destroyed, to facilitate their rehabilitation.
The statement was signed by TTC President R.T. Kius, General Secretary Wongsuthong, Executive Chairman S. Moa Tikhir and Secretary R.K. Tsuthong.