Thüneo organising committee (TOC) Shamator town- Metümneo festival committee has issued a rejoinder against the press release issued by TTC on August 9 in this daily.
TOC chairman Shitoba Yimchunger said invitation was sent to all village council within Shamator jurisdiction since Metümneo was a festival of the Yimchunger tribe. However, the chairman regretted that some villagers were threatened by “underground elements” backed by Tikhir brothers.
TOC also alleged that some GBs’ houses were ransacked and barred from joining the festival at Shamator.
Further, TOC reiterated that the parliamentary secretary Tohanba was invited as the chief guest not as a “scapegoat nefarious” and that TTC’s allegation on blocking development to Tikhir speaking people by Tohanba was “absurd and holds no water.”
TOC stated that Nagaland being the land of festivals was free to attend any festival where war and hatred are turned to friendship during such an event.
YWO condemns: Yimchungru Women Organization (YWO) has expressed regret at the restriction of the Medemneo festival celebration on August by some “certain group” of people by opposing and issuing orders.
A press release issued by president Yimchungru Women OrganizationAlula Z. Thsenso stated that Medemneo festival celebration was banned and restricted by Tikhirs at Shamator where vehicles were stopped and innocent people coming from Kiphire to Shamator were harassed.
Yimchungru Women Organization also affirmed that Tikhirs issued various threats to tribal leaders, attacked elected representatives by giving false statements, released false statement to media and gave “other” warning tone to all Yimchunger.
Further, the organization stated that tribal unions have denied the fundamental rights of the Yimchungers tribes, adding the issue needs urgent and immediate intercession through peaceful means.
The organization pointed out that it was time for both sides to take steps for a clear vision for the days to come and added that “peace and confidence building measure and forgive and forget” was the need of the hour.
Meanwhile, the organization has requested every individual from both sides not to create unnecessary propaganda for unwanted reasons.