Multiple organisations and leaders in Nagaland condemn the alleged sexual assault of an elderly woman in Kiphire.
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DIMAPUR — Multiple organisations and leaders have condemned the alleged rape of an elderly woman by a police constable in Kiphire.
C Kipili Sangtam: In a condemnation letter, MLA and Chairman of DPDB Kiphire, C Kipili Sangtam, stated that he was deeply shocked to learn of the heinous and inhuman crime committed against the elderly and termed the act an atrocious abuse of power and a grave violation of human rights.
He called for the perpetrator to be investigated immediately, prosecuted to the full extent of the law, and removed from any position of power. He also stated that the survivor deserves urgent medical care, protection, counselling, and privacy, adding that institutions have a duty to ensure accountability rather than impunity.
Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation: The Nagaland Zeliang People Organisation (NZPO) expressed deep shock and disturbance over the act and noted that the offence has deeply hurt the entire Zeliang community.
The organisation pointed out that under Zeliang customary law, even pulling a woman’s clothes without her consent is considered rape and results in excommunication from the village for a certain period.
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Describing the act as an attack on human dignity in a civilised society, the NZPO demanded the immediate suspension and dismissal of the accused from active service, an impartial investigation by the concerned IO, and stringent punishment as per the law. The NZPO expressed its firm stand with the victim and her family.
Senior Citizens' Association Nagaland: The Senior Citizens' Association Nagaland (SCAN) expressed grave concern and distress over the alleged assault.
In a statement, the association asserted that any act threatening the safety, dignity, and well-being of older persons is a matter of serious concern.
While noting that the matter is under investigation, SCAN urged authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and expeditious investigation. They also appealed to agencies to ensure the survivor receives necessary medical care, psychological support, and protection.
SCAN called upon citizens, community leaders, civil society organisations, and the media to uphold the dignity and privacy of the elderly person and refrain from actions that may prejudice the investigation.
Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation: The Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) also condemned the alleged rape and noted that the fact that the victim is an elderly woman makes the act particularly abhorrent and inexcusable.
It added that it is disturbing that the accused is a member of the law enforcement community, which severely undermines public trust and confidence in safety institutions.
The organisation expressed deepest sympathy and solidarity with the victim and her family and called upon the authorities to conduct a swift, transparent, and impartial investigation to ensure the accused is held fully accountable under the law.
Changsao Thangjam Setshang: The Changsao Thangjam Setshang (Chang Women Organisation) in a statement asserted that there is absolutely no place for such acts in society.
CTS called upon law enforcement authorities to use every resource to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrator to justice, demanding accountability to the fullest extent of the law. The organisation expressed its unwavering solidarity and support for the victim and her family.
Tikhir Women Association: The Tikhir Women Association (TWA) stated that rape is an act of violence, and committing it against an elderly woman is an act of extreme cruelty targeting age, vulnerability, and a lifetime of dignity.
It added that since the accused is a police constable, it is a fundamental breach of public trust, asserting that the uniform exists to protect, not to violate.
The association stated that a police force failing to hold its own members accountable cannot claim to protect the public. They demanded swift, impartial, and transparent justice, stating that the survivor is entitled to immediate medical care, safety, and respect.