Land dispute rears between Diezephe and Tsithrongse

February 11, 2024 48 Views No Comment

•    Takes to vandalising property on disputed land
•    Police orders deposit of licenced weapons
•    CrPC 144 promulgated until further orders

Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 11

Tension prevailed between Diezephe and Tsithrongse villages as a reportedly old land dispute reared on February 10. The two villages, which fall in the Chümoukedima district, are located about 15 km southwest of Dimapur, right along the two sides of the PWD road that connects Dimapur with the dysfunctional Ganeshnagar Special Economic Zone.

According to the police, on February 10, at around 10:00 am, people party to the dispute took to vandalizing property and attempted arson on lands claimed by both the villages. The two villages, by the look of the topography, are separated by the PWD road but there are said to be areas on one side disputed by both. It became the target of the day’s vandalism, which was stopped after police arrived. No arrests were made, nor was there report of any casualty.

The police said that the situation was under control, as on Saturday evening, while CrPC 144 took effect at 6:00 pm, prohibiting the assembly 5 or more people. The prohibitory order will likely continue until, atleast, February 12, when a meeting of the village councils of the disputing parties will be convened by the Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima, with the Tenyimia Union Dimapur and Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Dimapur in tow.

The Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, also issued an order directing “all Arms Licence holders of Diezephe Village and Tsithrongse Village under Chümoukedima District to deposit their licensed Arms to the nearest Police Station with immediate effect.” The order said that the situation warranted initiating “compelling action to restore peace and prevent further breach of law and order,” adding that failure to comply will invite prosecution under the Arms Act and cancellation of the arms licence.