Kohima: A long-running land dispute turned violent in Nagaland’s Maova village, leaving at least 27 people injured, including a government official and a police constable, and causing extensive damage to houses, vehicles and public property, officials said.
The clash broke out in the Medziphema sub-division of Chümoukedima district, where tensions over contested land ownership have been simmering for years.
Police said additional security forces were rushed to the area soon after the violence, and the situation has since been brought under control.
Authorities appealed to residents to maintain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
According to local accounts, tensions escalated after allegations that land buyers were being prevented from carrying out construction and agricultural activities in Maova and nearby areas.
At the same time, some structures were reportedly built on disputed land without proper authorisation.
The Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO), the apex body of traditional landholders, had earlier issued a notice to the village headman in December, directing the removal of what it described as illegal constructions.
The organisation claimed that construction continued despite the warning.
CPO president Zhato Kimho said representatives of the organisation attempted to visit the village for discussions but were allegedly blocked by a mob.
Police said the situation deteriorated when stone-pelting began, injuring the Extra Assistant Commissioner of Medziphema, a police constable and around 25 youths.
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In the ensuing retaliation, a large group of youths reportedly entered the village, dispersed the mob and allegedly set fire to a few houses said to have been built illegally on private land.
Several vehicles were also damaged during the clashes and counter-attacks.
Calling the incident “very unfortunate,” Kimho said the violence went against Naga cultural values and traditions, adding that communities in the area had historically coexisted peacefully under customary practices.
Meanwhile, Yanthungo Patton, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland who also holds the Home portfolio, expressed concern over the incident.
In a post on X, he urged all parties to remain calm and allow lawful and constructive processes to resolve grievances, warning that any act endangering lives and property was a matter of serious concern.
