Dimapur, July 6 (MExN) Reacting to the news article that appeared in the July 6 edition of this daily under the caption ‘Shocking! Rape case settled for Rs 25,000’, the president of the Sumi Kukami Hoho, Kakihe Yeptho, and Zunheboto Town Council member Nitovi Awomi clarified their position on the agreement reached by the uncle of the victim of the April 11 Zunheboto rape case and the accused persons involved in the crime.
“…the settlement as per the Customary Law was initiated by the accused and the aggrieved parties” and not through “our” initiative, the SKH president, Kakihe Yeptho, and the ZTC member Nitovi Awomi stated in a press release. “Being president of Sumi Kukami Hoho and member of Zunheboto Town Council, it is our bounded duty to advocate for peaceful and harmonious solution,” the release stated.
In this regard, the SKH president and the ZTC member asserted that when the two parties involved in the April 11 Zunheboto rape case “requested” them to stand witness to the settlement, “we willingly did the same considering that it was a good gesture and welcome move as per the Customary Law”. “It is also advisable to any Naga to interpret the Customary Laws judiciously and not to the wishes of individuals,” the release stated.
