The village authority has denied allegations linking its village or residents to the disappearance of 71-year-old Pu Hemjang Haokip from neighbouring Khunkho Kaki Village, and appealed to all concerned to avoid speculation and unverified claims.
In a statement, the village authority expressed deep concern over the reported disappearance of Hemjang Haokip and extended solidarity to his family during the difficult time.
It stated that the two villages have maintained peaceful and cordial relations for decades and clarified that neither the village nor its residents have any involvement in the missing case.
The authority said it was aware of certain suspicions and allegations reportedly raised by a few individuals against the village. It appealed for such unverified allegations to be stopped, stating that they could create unnecessary distrust and tension between communities that have long lived peacefully alongside each other.
Describing the village as a peace-loving community located close to an Army cantonment, the authority said movement restrictions had been imposed on villagers from August 14 as a precautionary measure following an unfortunate incident in some Naga villages.
The village authority also shared the grief and concern of the missing man’s family and said any act of abduction or disappearance of civilians was deeply distressing and should never be encouraged or tolerated.
It appealed to all concerned to maintain peace, refrain from speculation and unverified allegations, and support efforts to ascertain the whereabouts of Hemjang Haokip.
The authority expressed hope that he would return home safely to his family at the earliest.
