Army stages flag march in Nagaland following clashes

Kohima, Septermber 3: The army on Sunday staged a flag march in Dimapur district in Nagaland after clashes a day earlier between Naga tribes Sumi and Angami, an official said.

"The situation is extremely sensitive in Dimapur. Eight columns of Indian Army have been deployed to calm the situation,"

Although no curfew has been imposed, orders banning the assembly of five or more people were clamped after a mob went on the rampage damaging public property, Dimapur deputy commissioner Hushili Sema said.

The clashes between Angami and Sumi tribesmen erupted after a Kivika Assumi accused of stealing a motorbike in Kohima died in the custody of an Angami group on Friday.

Kohima is the heartland of Angami tribe while Dimapur, about 75 km south of Kohima, is a commercial hub, bordering Assam.

As news of Kivika's death spread, a mob went on the rampage attacking people in Dimapur on Saturday.

Ten people, including two women, were injured and public and private property including a resort owned by Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio were attacked. Rio is an Angami tribesman.

The Nagaland Cabinet has appealed to everyone to maintain peace.

People should not take law into their hands and not be misled by rumors, Nagaland chief secretary Lalthara said.

He said the government had instituted a one-man inquiry to probe Kivika's death.