Guwahati: One person was killed and another injured in a clash involving gunfire between members of the Tikhir and Yimkhiung communities in Nagaland’s Kiphire district on Saturday, police said on Sunday.
The violence reportedly broke out following a dispute over a Tikhir community festival held in villages inhabited by both communities. The gunfight took place in Longtsunger.
Several houses were reportedly gutted during the clashes, while properties were set on fire in Zaonger village.
Authorities have increased security in areas at risk, with the situation remaining tense across the district.
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, who is also in charge of the Home Department, urged the two communities to stay calm and work with the authorities. He said a peaceful resolution would require dialogue between the sides.
The district administration imposed restrictions on gatherings under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in parts of Pungro sub-division, citing fears of further violence and a breakdown of law and order.
The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) appealed to tribal communities across the region to help prevent further violence.
Chingmak Chang, who heads the ENPO, pressed the Yimkhiung and Tikhir tribal councils to act swiftly to bring an end to the clashes and re-establish peace in the affected areas.