Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation, ASUD condemn alleged molestation

DIMAPUR — The Dimapur Ao Youth Organisation (DAYO) and the Ao Students’ Union Dimapur (ASUD) have condemned the alleged molestation of a Chakhesang woman inside a moving auto-rickshaw on June 15.

The vehicle was reportedly driven by an individual identified as Nur Islam, while the accused is a juvenile.

DAYO, expressing “deep anguish”, said it stands in full solidarity with the victim and the Chakhesang community and noted that this incident is not isolated but a grim reflection of the growing number of crimes against women in society.

“Mere media condemnation is no longer sufficient. DAYO calls upon civil society organisations, tribal bodies, and government agencies to urgently formulate effective mechanisms, regulations, and enforcement systems to check this worsening menace,” it said in a statement.

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DAYO further accused the juvenile of “deceptively” adopting a “tribal identity”, saying this poses a direct threat to the sanctity of tribal identity and undermines the very spirit of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system.

DAYO urged all tribal hohos and traditional councils to seriously address the issue of “identity abuse” and reiterated its demand that December 1, 1963, the date of statehood through political agreement, must be the non-negotiable and irreversible cut-off year for ILP implementation in the state.

Similarly, the Ao Students' Union Dimapur (ASUD), on tribal identity, said such unethical and unlawful manipulation of identity is deeply concerning and undermines the very framework of the ILP system.

ASUD called upon the competent authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate legal action against such practices.

“The Ao Students' Union Dimapur will continue to monitor the progress of this case and remain steadfast in its commitment to justice, safety, and the protection of tribal identity,” it read.