Chümoukedima, February 13: The Chakroma Public Organisation (CPO) on Friday presented its version of the events surrounding the recent violence at Maova Village, stating that its leaders had gone to the village for dialogue over a land dispute but were met with aggression.
 |
| CPO leaders address a press conference in Chümoukedima, presenting their version of the events surrounding the Maova village incident.(Image:TNP) |
Addressing a press conference, CPO President Zhato Kimho and Vice President Sebastian Zumvu said the organisation had been receiving complaints for several years from landowners alleging that the Maova Village Council was restricting development of their properties and allowing illegal constructions. They stated that a formal notice was served on December 2, 2025, asking the Council to remove alleged illegal structures by December 25, but no response was received.
According to the CPO, its leaders, accompanied by 20 to 30 youth volunteers, visited the village on February 13 to hold discussions with the Village Chairman and Gaonburas. However, they alleged that they were met with hostility, with stones, batons and other projectiles being thrown at them. The organisation claimed that its president was pushed during the confrontation and that both an Executive Administrative Officer (EAC) and a police constable were injured in the scuffle.
The CPO maintained that its volunteers were unarmed and had to call for reinforcements to safely exit the area after tensions escalated. It further alleged that some miscreants took refuge in a shop and the residence of the Gaonbura, and that vehicles were damaged during the ensuing clash. The organisation reported that at least 24 of its volunteers sustained injuries and three vehicles were damaged.
While acknowledging that a shop was set ablaze and LPG cylinders exploded during the incident, the CPO said it could not ascertain how the fire started. The group also claimed that villagers appeared to have prepared weapons such as rocks, batons and slingshots in advance.
ALSO READ: Nearly 1,000 Youths Storm Maova Village, Properties Destroyed, FIR Filed: VC
The CPO has held the Maova Village Chairman and Gaonburas responsible for the violence and stated that it would consult with the Angami community to decide its future course of action.
Earlier, the Maova Village Council had issued a statement alleging that nearly 1,000 youths stormed the village in a coordinated attack, resulting in widespread damage to homes, shops, vehicles and community buildings. The Council said FIRs had been filed and called for a time-bound and impartial investigation.
The state government has confirmed that the situation is currently under control, with security forces deployed in the area. Authorities have urged all parties to maintain calm and resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means.
