The Sihai Khunou Public Council has leveled sharp criticism at local law enforcement, accusing police of gross negligence following a violent attempted murder in the village.
During a press conference held Tuesday at the Ukhrul Press Club in Winotang, community leaders expressed profound outrage over the incident, characterizing the assault as a “barbaric” act that has left their residents living in fear.
According to former MGNREGS chairman Tharmi Shimray and senior council member Chinaochung Horam, the violence erupted on May 12, 2026, during a supervised MGNREGS election. They said tensions had been simmering after a self-styled headman, Joseph Shimray, and his supporters attempted to unilaterally appoint an MGNREGS chairman. The move was rejected by a majority of villagers, who demanded a transparent, public election. To manage these tensions, the SDO/BDO had dispatched MIS Department staff and police personnel to oversee the proceedings.
However, the council alleged that at around 12:15 pm inside the village community hall, the group supporting Joseph Shimray launched a violent, unprovoked attack on those who defied their mandate. Armed with sharp stones and wooden bars, the mob allegedly targeted villagers who attempted to speak about the electoral process.
One victim, identified as Khalatza Shimray, sustained critical head injuries and lacerations. Council members described a harrowing scene in which the attackers pursued the wounded victim and others to their homes, reportedly demanding that they be produced for “slaughter.” They also raised allegations against an assailant named Khungshan Shimray, who reportedly incited the mob by shouting orders to “kill” and “finish them” during the chaos.
The council emphasized that these acts of violence occurred in the presence of police personnel and MIS officials, yet no intervention was made to protect the victims. Despite the immediate filing of a General Diary entry on the day of the attack, the council claimed that a formal FIR (No. 06(06) 2026 UKL-PS U/S 117/131/3(5) BNS) was not registered until June 7. They further alleged that the accused have remained at liberty, effectively operating with impunity.
“The delay and inaction by the police send a dangerous message that violent criminals can act without consequence,” the council stated. The community leaders noted that the victims continue to suffer from severe physical and psychological trauma while still residing under constant threat.
The Sihai Khunou Public Council has called for the immediate arrest and rigorous prosecution of all individuals involved in the attempted murders.
It also demands a high-level, independent inquiry into why law enforcement failed to intervene during the attack and a formal internal investigation into the handling of the case, seeking accountability for what they describe as a total collapse of policing standards.
