Dimapur, August 18 (MExN): While appealing to the NNC (Accordist) Government at the highest level to intervene “before more wicked nesses come about” and deliver justice at the earliest, the Yangzitong Village authorities have put forward ‘certain clarification’ in a press statement jointly issued by Ihoto Sangtam, Head GB, Yangzitong A&B Village, Khehuto Yeptho, GB, Yangzitong -B Village and Akaho Yeptho, Council Chairman, Yangzitong A&B Village.
The village authorities stated that Shivito (lieutenant) was not apprehended by the Villagers or any public or by “Kughato” as alleged by the NNC because the name is unknown and there is no one by such name from Yangzitong Village. Also ‘apprehending and torturing of culprit Shitovi mercilessly by Kughato and the villagers’ as alleged by Betto Yeptho, Sumi Region Secretary is baseless, the release said while adding that “Leut. Shitovi, one of the Culprits” was intercepted with the same described Alto Car by the police on 10/08/2010 in Kohima Town. The family members had lodged an FIR at the South Police Station, Kohima soon after the incident and were informed only after recovery of the dead body on August 11 in the jungle near Chedema Village.
Countering to the claim made by the Sumi Region Secretary, Betto ‘that Ameto was shot dead when he attempted to flee during interrogation’ is also another concocted story to cover the crime, the release added as on exhumed, “the dead body revealed many evidences which bore the marks of inhuman torture.” Giving detail evidence, the release stated that “both ears were found cut off, hands fractured, right eye and tongue protruding, front teeth knocked out, apart from the bullet mark the head bore deep cuts of blunt weapon. The dead body on close observation showed that the murder committed was not of 72 days ago as stated by Sumi Region Secretary. The hair was intact on the head, chest bones intact, legs stiff when lifted, clothes fresh and even the earth above the body were without weeds or lichen and mosses which could have appeared in two months especially in the rainy months.”
Therefore, the village authorities added that the NNC (Accordist), particularly the culprits should admit their crime and not make any more “justification story.” The culprits had threatened the life of the witness, Hoto and the Villagers were also threatened by the Kilonser who is now blaming somebody else for the arrest of one of the Culprit, Leut. Shitovi. “In the event of any incident that may happen to the witness or any of the Villagers the NNC (Accordist) shall be held responsible,” the statement further added.
