Litan-Sikibung standoff triggers tension

Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, Dec 29 : Following the reported physical assault of the headman of  Sikibung village at Litan area, tension ran high between the villagers of Sikibung and residents of Litan today.
According to a source, the headman of Sikibung, Wungreikhan Kasar was attacked and physically assaulted at about 8.30 am at Litan today. The headman however managed to run into Litan police station to seek protection.
Land dispute is suspected to be the primary reason for the flare up.
Both Sikibung and Litan had laid claims over ownership of the land to be affected by the ongoing National Highway construction and demanded compensation.
Yesterday,  a resident of Litan was detained by villagers of Sikibung on the same issue.
Following this, residents of Litan blocked Imphal -Ukhrul road and it was  suspended only after the said person was released.
According to police, there was a report of a scuffle among the villagers of Litan over differences in blocking the highway.
A member of the Christian Youth Society (CYS) was allegedly beaten during the bandh enforcement period.
Then, again today in the morning at around 8.30 the headman of Sikibung along with his VA members came to Litan to visit the victim and for other purpose.
The residents of Litan who were still in an incensed mood attacked and physically assaulted the headman. Fortunately the headman managed to escape and took shelter in Litan police station.
The mob tried to storm the station but the policemen managed to stop them and rescued the headman.
Meanwhile HAC chairman Leishiyo Keishing, MLA Alfred Arthur Kanngam, DIG Kabib, DC Ukhrul,  SP and others rushed to the spot to oversee the situation. The visiting MLAs, officers talked separately to the confronting parties and the situation was brought under control.