Dimapur, May 5 (MExN): Taking serious cognizance of the reported April 30 mob action against Wozhu (old) villagers by villagers from Akuk village over a land dispute, the Wokha administration has directed the concern EACs to verify and investigate the reports and a determine a befitting decision to that effect.
Latest information said that May 8 next has been scheduled for a meet between the two disputing parties with their respective area administrators to verify the mob action and ‘settle the matter.’ It was reported recently that villagers from Akuk (old) village, under EAC Athibung administration, on April 30 attacked and detained villagers of Wozhu (old) village, under EAC Champang, Wokha Deputy Commissioner of Wokha B Thawang Konyak said he was verbally made known of the incident and the matter is yet to be ascertained with proper verification of the allegations being traded between the two disputing villages. DC Konyak however, informed that he has already issued directives to the EACs of Champang and Athubung to undertake a joint verification at the earliest to sort out the tangle. Konyak said that May 8 has been tentatively scheduled for a meeting between the two areas.
Cognizance was also taken that apart from the vigilante action of the Akuk mob, there also involved the matter of molestation and sexual affront on some of the women from Wozhu village. On this, the DC said to investigate in the reports only then any action, if found fit to be initiated, would be considered against those responsible.
Konyak also informed that representatives from Wozhu had approached him last evening over the matter but was advised to tale the matter to the competent authorities “step by step” and then to his office. The representatives were also explained the procedures involved in calling for government action, Konyak added.
Konyak was also of the opinion that aside from the media reports, each village had offered conflicting versions of the incident. The allegations, relatively inapplicable, will be investigated, the DC assured.
Related to the reported April 30 mob action, the All Sumi Students Union (SKK) expressed strong condemnation of the action of Akuk villagers. Taking note of the forced “agreement,” threats and sexual affront against some of the women, the SKK in a message appended by its president K Himahito Chishi and general secretary Vitolu Chophy termed these as an insult and a challenge. But it also added that “such type of criminal action cannot solve any dispute.” Both villages were urged to confront the issue at the table. The SKK also urged the district administration to intervene and take control of the situation before it spirals out of control.
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