Nagaland: Miscreants try to burn down church

KOHIMA: In a distressing incident of vandalism, unidentified individuals wreaked havoc at Kinunger village, located in Mokokchung district of Nagaland, in the early hours of May 03.

Situated approximately 20 kilometers from Mokokchung town of Nagaland, the village fell victim to a series of destructive acts.

Reports indicate that the ordeal commenced at around 2 AM when two vacant houses were set ablaze, triggering a fire that engulfed the structures along with a nearby granary.

Despite the efforts of the villagers and fire tenders, the inferno could only be subdued after causing significant damage.

Thankfully, no occupants were harmed as the houses were unoccupied at the time.

Later, residents were alarmed to discover smoke emanating from the main church building.

Swift action from villagers averted a potential catastrophe as they managed to contain the fire before it consumed the entire church.

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Upon inspection, plastic bottles filled with petrol were discovered inside the church premises, pointing to deliberate sabotage.

Furthermore, it came to light that the village was slated to hold a Church revival prior to the incident.

Authorities have reportedly apprehended an individual in connection with the case.

Condemnation from Nagaland deputy CM

Expressing shock and vehement condemnation, Nagaland deputy chief minister and BJP leader Y Patton denounced the attempt to torch the Church in Kinunger village.

Labeling the act as unprecedented and antithetical to Christian principles, the Nagaland deputy CM termed it “outrageous and numbing”.

Asserting that such acts aimed at instilling fear and disrupting peace will not be tolerated, Patton vowed stringent action against the perpetrators.