Staff Reporter
Dimapur, June 19 (EMN): In a delayed report received here, two minor girls – aged 5 and 7 respectively – were reportedly raped by their adult neighbour on June 15 last at Bazaar ‘A’ colony Tuensang district.
Sources from Tuensang identified the accused person as one Lemba Chang of Hakchang village, aged 21. It was informed that both the victims were from Phom community.
According to Lungcha Phom, the president of Phom Union Tuensang Town, one of the victim was studying in UKG while the other was in class one. The victims were living in the same house, while the accused person located next door, it was informed.
They were allegedly raped when the parents were out collecting firewood in the forest. The incident came to light when the parents returned home and found the minors crying.It was reported that the accused person was handed over to Tuensang police on June 17 last after an FIR was lodged, and medical examination had confirmed rape, said the PUTT president.
In a representation submitted to the deputy commissioner of Tuensang, the PUTT demanded capital punishment to the accused. “Raping of minor girls itself is a barbaric act and constitutes an element of rare a rare crime in today’s society, and the Phom Union Tuensang Town condemns the rape incident in the strongest manner and also call upon all sensible people/organisations to come forward in condemning the heinous crime.
“Now, that the rapist has confessed to his crime and is in police custody while the medical examination on the victims have also confirmed rape, we the Phom Union Tuensang Town urge your esteemed authority to book the culprit under relevant sections of the law and not grant bail under any circumstances”, it read.
“Secondly, the victims being minor, it attracts the wrap of POSCO Act against the culprit and as such, we also request you to take necessary measures to provide care and protection to the victims and their parents immediately”.
In a separate press release, the Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) has also condemned the incident. The incident, it stated, ‘once again’ highlights that women and girls are not safe anywhere.
It stated that the incident was a crime against women and violation of women’s right “to a life free from perpetual threats of rape and sexual assaults both inside and outside their home”. It asked the authorities concerned to ensure a speedy trial leading to stringent punishment to the culprit.
“Silent witness to everyday form of sexual assault such as leering, groping, passing comments, stalking and whistling are equally responsible for rape embedded in our culture and hence being so prevalent today. Therefore, ENWO also condemns the culture of silence and tolerance for rape and sexual assault and the culture of valorising this kind of crimes”, it stated.
