By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The ANVC (B) on Monday steered itself away from the alleged sexual assault by one of its cadre on five minor girls at Samanda in East Garo Hills, even as it assured extreme punishment to anyone who was guilty of molesting the minors.
There were accusations that an ANVC (B) cadre identified as Jamesbirth Momin alias Giljeng Momin was involved in the molestation of the five minor girls.
In a statement issued here on Monday, the ANVC (B) said it did not have any hand in the molestation case. “The molestation case at Samanda needs proper verification. Facts have been manipulated and a wrong picture against ANVC (B) has been portrayed to the public domain,” ANVC (B) leader Rimpu Marak said.
“An attempt is being made by some groups to defame us and malign our image which we know is going to rise in coming months,” Marak said.
He said Giljeng Momin is in his designated camp and there is no question of him going out alone to Samanda as it is a home to many ceasefire cadres of the ANVC having its designated camp at Samanda itself.
“On our verification the villagers have expressed fear and insecurity in giving out the names of people who hyped the case against ANVC (B),” Marak added.
“The NGOs should verify the facts and reveal the truth to the public. We will also seek out the facts from the victims and their families and we assure penalty will be extreme,” he said.