Incidents of violence, including arson and shootings, have prompted Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton to repeatedly call for peace and restraint in various areas of the state, particularly around Dimapur. These events, often involving disputes over land or criminal acts, have led to injuries and calls for thorough investigations. The Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, has publicly expressed concern and directed authorities to address these disturbances.
Overview of Disturbances
Over recent months, Nagaland has witnessed several incidents that have disrupted public order. These have ranged from clashes between different communities to acts of violence against individuals.
February 13, 2026: Arson and clashes were reported in Maova village, on the outskirts of Dimapur, between Naga-Kuki villages. Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton stated that this event was a "local issue" and not connected to the broader situation in Manipur. He expressed that "Any act that disrupts peace and endangers lives and property is a matter of serious concern."
June 8, 2024: An Assam businessman was shot near the Signal Basti market in Dimapur. Deputy CM Patton condemned the incident and ordered a probe. The New Market Business Welfare Committee called for a shutter-down in the affected locality. Another report from the same date indicates a village headman was shot dead in Dimapur, with the Deputy CM also ordering an investigation into this event.
March 31, 2025: A land dispute in Pungro escalated, resulting in injuries. Four individuals sustained injuries, including bullet wounds and physical assault. The conflict involved Laruri Village and Mimi Village. District administration and police visited the site to assess the situation. One person remained hospitalized with a head injury, while three others with minor injuries were discharged.
Calls for Peace and Investigation
In response to these incidents, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton has consistently appealed for peace and calm. His statements, often posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlight the gravity of such events.
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"Any act that disrupts peace and endangers lives and property is a matter of serious concern." - Yanthungo Patton, Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland.
Following the shooting of the Assam businessman on June 8, 2024, Mr. Patton, overseeing Home Affairs, stressed the importance of maintaining peace and security. He also urged for swift and thorough investigations into the killings of individuals. The Rising People's Party has called for his removal from his position following these events.
Community Responses
Local community groups have also reacted to the violence, often expressing condemnation and demanding action. The New Market Business Welfare Committee in Dimapur called for a shutter-down following the shooting of the Assam businessman, indicating a localized impact and a desire for increased safety.
Analysis of Recurring Themes
The recurring nature of these disturbances points to persistent underlying issues.
Communal and Land Disputes
The incident in Maova village in February 2026, involving clashes between Naga-Kuki villages, suggests that ethnic tensions and land ownership remain significant factors contributing to conflict on the outskirts of Dimapur.
The Pungro land dispute in March 2025, where villages were pitted against each other, demonstrates that territorial disagreements can quickly escalate into violence, leading to injuries.
Criminal Incidents and Public Safety
The shootings of an Assam businessman and a village headman in Dimapur in June 2024 raise questions about public safety and the prevalence of criminal activity in the region.
The involvement of the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio, in ordering investigations underscores the state's focus on these security lapses.
Official Response and Appeals
Deputy Chief Minister Patton's consistent appeals for peace indicate a state-level effort to de-escalate tensions and encourage peaceful resolution.
The ordering of probes and visits by district administration officials to incident sites suggest an official mechanism for addressing these events, though the effectiveness and outcomes of these investigations are not detailed in the provided reports.
Conclusion
The events in Nagaland, particularly around Dimapur, reveal a fragile peace susceptible to disruption by both inter-community disputes and criminal acts. Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton’s role has been characterized by public appeals for calm and directives for investigations. The continued occurrence of such incidents suggests that deeper societal issues and security concerns require sustained attention and robust solutions beyond public statements and immediate inquiries. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of citizens and maintaining public order across the state.
Sources
The Hindu: Report on Nagaland Deputy CM's appeal amid violence in Maova village.URL: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nagaland/nagaland-deputy-cm-appeals-for-peace-amid-violence-on-the-outskirts-of-dimapur/article70627763.ece
Assam Tribune: Report on an Assam businessman being shot in Dimapur and the Deputy CM's response.URL: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/assam-businessman-shot-in-dimapur-nagaland-dy-cm-orders-probe-1539314
Nagaland Tribune: Report detailing the Pungro land dispute and shooting incident, with the Deputy CM urging peace.URL: https://nagalandtribune.in/pungro-land-dispute-deputy-cm-patton-urges-for-peace-amid-police-detail-shooting-incident/
Northeast Live: Report on a village headman being shot dead in Dimapur, with Deputy CM Y Patton ordering a probe. (Status: Low Priority - Summary not available).URL: https://northeastlivetv.com/around-ne/nagaland/nagaland-village-headman-shot-dead-in-dimapur-dy-cm-y-patton-orders-probe/
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