Fueled by a long-standing land dispute that has led to unrest in the region, tensions between Lamhainamdi and Kiyevi villages in Nagaland have escalated once again. In response to the situation, local authorities have heightened security measures to prevent any further violence.
According to East Mojo, Nagaland’s Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, assured the public on Wednesday that the state government is taking all necessary steps to address the ongoing conflict. Kenye acknowledged the efforts of the administration and security forces to contain the violence, while also highlighting the challenges of maintaining law and order in the area due to a shortage of manpower. However, he confirmed that additional forces have been deployed to the conflict zone and reassured the public that the situation remains under control despite the underlying tensions.
Emphasizing that judicial intervention is crucial to resolving the dispute, Kenye stated, “The government alone cannot manage these cases effectively.” He added that the state government is working closely with the tribal hohos—Sumi and Zeliang—to mediate between the villages and act as catalysts for peace.
Meanwhile, in view of the latest unrest, the Commissioner of Police in Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The order aims to prevent any breach of peace along the Chumoukedima-Peren border area. It specifically prohibits the assembly of more than five persons and bans the carrying of lethal weapons such as firearms, lathis, daggers, machetes, sticks, spears, and catapults.
The directive applies to the highway stretch between Vihuto Village, Khehoyi Village, and Kiyevi Village, as well as the Chumoukedima-Peren Border Belt.
The order, effective immediately, will remain in force until further notice. It was passed ex-parte due to security concerns and will be disseminated to the public through press releases and notices posted at district administration offices and police stations.
DC Peren invokes Prohibitory Order in Lamhainamdi and Kiyevi
Following fresh conflict and unrest in the areas of Lamhainamdi and the adjoining Kiyevi village, causing concerns over a potential breach of public peace and tranquility, Deputy Commissioner of Peren, Hiazu Meru, has imposed a prohibitory order under relevant sections of the law.
The order, issued yesterday, stated the necessity of taking immediate preventive measures to maintain law and order and prevent further escalation of violence in the affected areas.
As per the relevant laws, the DC has prohibited any person from carrying weapons or other prohibited arms in Lamhainamdi and Kiyevi village with immediate effect. Given the urgency of the situation, the DC issued the order ex-parte.