KOHIMA — One person was killed and another sustained injuries following a heavy exchange of gunfire between members of the Tikhir and Yimkhiung communities in Nagaland's eastern Kiphire district. The violent clashes, which broke out over the weekend, also resulted in multiple houses being set on fire across affected villages, prompting authorities to deploy additional security forces to prevent further escalation.
According to local authorities and police reports, the conflict erupted following a dispute related to a Tikhir community festival held in villages shared by both tribes. Gunfire broke out in Longtsunger village, while arson attacks destroyed several homes and properties in nearby Zaonger and Kiusam areas.
In response to the volatile situation, district officials immediately enforced Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), restricting public gatherings and movement across sensitive parts of the Pungro sub-division. Additional police units and paramilitary forces were rushed to vulnerable areas to maintain law and order as tensions remained high across the district.
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, who also holds the state's Home portfolio, urged both communities to exercise maximum restraint and maintain calm. "We appeal to all concerned to refrain from actions that could further escalate tensions and to work toward resolving differences through peaceful dialogue and mutual understanding," Patton stated.
The Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organization (ENPO) expressed grave concern over the outbreak of inter-communal violence and issued an urgent call for peace across the region. ENPO leadership appealed directly to the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) and the Tikhir Tribal Council (TTC) to take proactive measures to restore tranquility and engage in immediate talks to prevent further loss of life.
Local administration officials confirmed that civil society leaders and community elders are actively engaged in peace efforts, while security personnel continue patrolling the district to stabilize the situation.
To address the underlying land and administrative grievances that sparked the confrontation, state authorities have announced plans to convene a high-level mediation committee comprising district magistrates, tribal elders, and peace envoys. Authorities hope that establishing a structured dialogue platform will de-escalate lingering animosities and foster a sustainable peace agreement between the neighboring communities in the region.
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