A special joint meeting of the Chang Khulei Setshang and the Ao Senden held at the office of the former in Tuensang on Monday strongly condemned the alleged sexual assault of a minor girl in Dimapur.
In a declaration issued after the meeting, the two apex Hohos condemned what they described as a “vile sexual crime” allegedly committed by O Watimeren Jamir, Akangkokba, both from Unger village, and Tsuktimongba of Sungratsu village.
The meeting extended solidarity to the victim and expressed hope that speedy justice would be delivered by awarding exemplary punishment to the alleged perpetrators.
The two organizations also declared that any group or individual “stoking the fire of tribalism or communalism” by sharing or publishing defamatory, hateful, maliciously constructed statements by taking advantage of this incident will be viewed very seriously and dealt accordingly by the two apex Hohos.
According to the declaration, such actions could create unnecessary tensions, hurt public sentiments, and threaten the longstanding harmonious relationship between the Chang and Ao communities.
“This is to prevent causing of unnecessary tensions, hurting the sentiments of the people and threaten the very social fabric of our long bonded harmonious relationship that has stood the tests of times from the era of our forefathers,” the joint declaration read.
The meeting further resolved that, “whatever incidents the vagaries of life may throw at us,” both communities would “remain steadfast, nurture, cherish and respect our bond ship and friendship as ever.”
The declaration was jointly signed by Chang Khulei Setshang Vice President N Sipong and Ao Senden President Marsanen Imsong.
