Dimapur, July 17 (MExN): The Maova Village Council (MVC) and its youth & students union have expelled a retired serviceman, from the community for his alleged involvement in the sexual assault of a minor, calling the crime “heinous, inhumane and immoral.”
The decision was taken after the village authorities summoned the accused and his family members for a hearing. Following due deliberation under customary laws and practices, the Council resolved to permanently expel him from Maova Village to uphold the moral integrity of the community and reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against children.
“The accused and his family members were summoned before the Village authorities,” the council stated. After due deliberation and in accordance with customary practices and laws, the Council has resolved to expel the accused from Maova village.
The council stated the retired serviceman, a native of Maova Village, had been permanently residing at Medziphema, and had never resettled in the village after his retirement. The village authorities clarified that they had no knowledge of his day-to-day activities and that the news of the alleged crime had come as a “profound shock” to the entire community.
“The Village authorities had no knowledge of his day-to-day activities. The news of this alleged crime has come as a profound shock to the entire village community, and we strongly denounce his alleged actions in the highest possible terms,” it stated.
The Council and students union expressed their sympathy to the victim and her family, praying for her complete healing, comfort, and protection. They also stood in solidarity with the child and extended support for all lawful measures to ensure justice.
Terming the crime as a violation of the dignity, innocence, and fundamental rights of children, the community body asserted that such acts are “utterly unacceptable in any civilized society” and stand in complete contradiction to the values of a Christian community.
The Council urged the District Administration and the Police to conduct a thorough, impartial, and comprehensive investigation into the case and to ensure that the guilty are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“We reiterate our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the dignity, safety, and well-being of every child and call upon all members of society to work together in protecting children from all forms of abuse and exploitation,” the statement said.
