Dimapur, June 17 (MExN): While expressing shock at the murder of Khoney Chang in Kohima, June 15, and strongly condemning the barbaric act, the Angami Public Organization (APO) has cautioned all sections of the people from viewing the murder on tribal lines.
“The APO is of the view that casting aspersions on tribal lines so as to flare-up communal disharmony, should be discouraged and done away with” president of the APO, Mhiesizokho Zinyu, cautioned in a release. It called for awarding the needful penalty by holding the perpetrators personally accountable for their deeds rather than “casting aspersions” on the tribes they belong to.
“(The) perpetrators of the crime should bear their own responsibility and they should be booked and punished according to the law of the land” the APO stated while affirming that the organization can neither “stand by” nor harbor such criminals in any manner.
Meanwhile, the Nerhema Village Council (NVC) while condemning the murder as an uncivilized act deserving the strongest of denunciation, expressed regret at the act of the perpetrators who hails from the village, and has resolved to excommunicated them. “The village council apologizes to the bereaved family and tribe for this inhuman act. This kind of act does not deserve mercy. Therefore, the Village Council shall not support or abet the culprits in any manner. The perpetrators have been excommunicated from the village for seven years with immediate effect” stated a joint release from the NVC signed by Chairman Khrietsikhou Uspu and Secretary Zakieneisa Kiewhuo. The council, while appealing to the government to serve the needful punishment to the culprits also expressed sympathy and extended its condolence to the bereaved family and that God grant peace to the deceased.
