A charred motorcycle at the site of the violent confrontation following a land dispute, at Maova village on the Jalukie road, on February 13. (Morung Photo)
Chümoukedima, February 13 (MExN): According to the Maova Village Council (MVC), the violent confrontation between Maova villagers and youths under the banner of the Chakhroma Youth Organisation in Maova village on February 13 originated from a private land dispute. The MVC stated, “What began as a private land dispute between individuals from Maova and Sobu Rio and the Chathe Prayer Centre was deliberately escalated into a large scale attack against an entire village.”
The statement said that although customary and administrative mechanisms for dispute resolution were available, the matter was inflamed. It documented damages that included 9 cars, 1 earth excavator, 1 truck, 9 two-wheelers, 17 roadside shops, a community hall, a council guest house, and a council office. Additionally, 3 private residences were vandalised and 20 mobile phones, and chairs belonging to the village council were destroyed.
It held that while it was a private dispute, properties belonging to villagers were destroyed. It said, “Private disputes must not be weaponized. Organisations must not act as parallel enforcement bodies.”
The MVC said that it has filed FIRs against all the parties involved. It demanded an impartial, time-bound investigation, identifying and prosecuting those who organised the confrontation, and in addition, damage compensation. It also requested a continued security presence in the village.
