Wokha, February 6 (MExN): In response to the appeal of the Kohima Lotha Hoho (KLH) following election-related violence at Wokha Village recently, the Wokha Village Council (WVC) has termed the KLH appeal “biased and politically motivated because of its one-sided nature.”
In a rejoinder addressed to the chairman of KLH, WVC secretary Zujanbemo Kithan and chairman S Yanphamo Tungoe stated the Hoho failed to condemn the January 18 incident at GA colony in Wokha Town, “where an attempt on the life of Etsorhomo Yanthan was made by one Tumchobemo Kikon and his gang, a confirmed supporter of Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, an intending JD (U) candidate of 38 Wokha A/C.”
The root cause of the reported violence at Wokha Village, the council claimed, “was a result of public uproar caused by the finding of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted in the kitchen hearth of ‘Women Recreation Hall’ Wokha Village” allegedly by his supporter.
The Bomb Disposal Squad was notified and all facts and evidence, including the bomb and lists of suspects, are at the Police Station Wokha and further investigation is on, it added.
Meanwhile, the village council stated such incidents of violence have been happening in the village only after the JD (U) candidate announced his candidature for the forthcoming NLA election in July 2017.
“Being the guardian of Wokha Town, the Wokha Village Council is always aware and is bound to give utmost effort to diligently follow all democratic norms and values, to set standards of discipline for all the villages in the district. Be it formation of new village councils, VDMB etc,” the rejoinder added.
Pointing out that Wokha district administration is witness to all these and “have ample records to prove our track record,” WVC stated, “Hence the KLH being headquartered at Kohima has no authority to advise the Wokha Village Council on matters of norms, values and disciplines.”
It advised the KLH “not to jump the gun without the facts and irresponsibly mislead the general public through print media thereby attempting to tarnish the unblemished image of Wokha Village Council.”
Nevertheless, it said, “The WVC discourages any kind of anti social activities within Wokha Village areas” and strongly denounced the January 18 as well as alleged “planting of IED on February 4 at Wokha Village ground premises and any other poll related violence in Wokha.”
