ASTD clarifies resolution of June 26 assault case

Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur (ASTD) has clarified that Rohit Kumar Sah, son of Dharamnath Sah who allegedly assaulted Meyi Jamir here on June 26, was forgiven in good faith by imposing a pig as fine.
Sharing details, ASTD president Ningsangwaba Pongen and general secretary K Tsukti Longchar in a statement said, following the incident, the assailant was summoned by the Mongsenyimti Senso Telongjem, Dimapur, whereby Rohit Kumar Shah admitted to his guilt. They mentioned that the issue was amicably resolved between the two parties as the Bihari Samaj Dimapur pleaded the Mongsenyimti Union Dimapur to settle and recompense the issue in accordance with the Ao customary practices and traditions of the land rather than filing an FIR.
On humanitarian grounds and the Mongsenyimti Union’s bold vision of coexistence and trust, the assailant was forgiven in good faith by imposing a pig as fine.
The Senso explained that it was an age-old traditional custom, a deeply-rooted practice among the Ao community that when an individual committed an offence, transgression, violation and /or misdeed, particularly involving violence or harm, the defaulting party was required to offer an animal as a form of customary fine. The highest degree of punishment was imposing a fine of up to 30 pigs/cows.
They explained that the act held significance as taking of an animal’s life was a traditional means of atonement, representing the taking of the life of an animal in place of the life of the assailant. They claimed that through this practice, harmony was restored between the parties involved, while also reflecting the community’s emphasis on reconciliation, justice and sanctity of life as upheld through ancestral customs.
Referring to the opinion expressed by some individuals that the assailant’s trade licence should be cancelled, expelled from the land and manhandled, the duo pointed out that these matters fell outside and beyond the jurisdiction of any community-based organisation.
Hence, anyone seeking further clarification or having concern regarding the matter had been advised to approach the ASTD.