Dimapur civil society organisations have backed the Lengrijan case investigation, cancelled a planned protest and demanded justice for the minor victim.
Share
DIMAPUR — As public outrage continues over the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl at Lengrijan in Dimapur, major civil society organisations—led by Naga Council Dimapur (NCD)—on Friday closed ranks to demand justice for the victim, back a thorough police probe, and urge the public to allow the law to take its course.
The organisations announced the cancellation of a proposed public rally on June 11, expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation, and pledged full support to the 11-point charter of demands submitted to the director general of police (DGP).
Addressing a press conference in Dimapur, NCD president GK Rengma said that the primary objective of the CSOs has been to ensure justice for the victim while maintaining peace and stability in society.
Following the arrest of the accused persons, representatives of NCD and other CSOs visited the Women Police Station, Dimapur, to review the progress of the investigation, he said.
According to Rengma, they also held consultations with Dimapur Eastern Naga Students' Union (DENSU), Western Naga Youth Front and other bodies to coordinate efforts and maintain public order.
Appreciating the police for their prompt action under the POCSO Act, he urged the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to proceed, pointing out that the accused persons are already in police custody.
Rengma said that the CSOs also met the commissioner of police and the deputy commissioner, who assured them that the investigation was progressing diligently.
He added that the Child Welfare Committee has taken charge as the victim's legal guardian and is providing counselling and support.
The CSOs, he said, have also extended full support to the 11-point charter of demands submitted by DENSU to the DGP.
Rengma further informed that the proposed protest rally on June 11 has been cancelled following consultations between the CSOs and DENSU.
The decision, he said, was taken in the interest of maintaining peace and security while appreciating DENSU for a mature and responsible approach.
Naga Women Hoho Dimapur president Imlinungla condemned the alleged abuse and said that the organisation has been closely monitoring the case.
She stated that the women's body continues to coordinate with the authorities while seeking justice through due legal process.
Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) president Zasivikho Zakiesato asserted that CSOs across Dimapur have united in demanding justice for the victim and are closely monitoring the police investigation.
He assured that the organisations would continue pursuing the case until justice is delivered and maintained that such crimes would not be tolerated, irrespective of the identity of the accused.
He urged the public not to stigmatise either the victim or any community, stressing that the alleged crime was an individual act and should not be linked to any tribe or group.
Zakiesato also expressed support for DENSU's 11-point charter of demands and urged the authorities to address them as a priority.
Gaonbura Union Dimapur Sadar (GBUDS) president W Kholie Kapfo described the alleged abuse of a minor girl as a shocking and unacceptable crime that has deeply disturbed Naga society.
He appealed for trust in the legal process and expressed confidence that those responsible would face the strictest punishment under the law.
Kapfo added that civil society organisations are working closely with the administration and police and urged the public not to take the law into their own hands or disrupt public order while the investigation is underway.
Responding to questions from the media regarding the proposed public rally, Zakiesato confirmed that it had been officially called off following consultations with student bodies and youth organisations.
While acknowledging public anger over the incident, he said that a large-scale protest could adversely affect peace and law and order in Dimapur.
He further informed that most organisations, including student bodies, NGO forums and youth groups, had agreed to cancel their planned demonstrations after extensive discussions.
He appealed to the public, especially the youth, to remain calm and allow the legal process to proceed.
The memorandum submitted to the DGP outlines an 11-point charter of demands, including a thorough investigation into the source, ownership, possession and legality of the firearm allegedly linked to the case, and legal action against all those found responsible.
It also seeks the examination of all persons with direct or indirect knowledge of the incident, action against anyone who aided, concealed or attempted to suppress the offence or investigation, and the apprehension of all accused persons connected to the case.
The charter further calls for the prosecution to strongly oppose bail applications that could affect the investigation or the interests of justice, the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and supervision of the probe by an officer not below the rank of deputy inspector general of police (DIG) under the monitoring of DGP Rupin Sharma.
It also demands protection and support for the victim and her family, strict confidentiality of the victim's identity as mandated under the POCSO Act, firm action against any attempt to obstruct the investigation, and completion of the probe in a fair, impartial and time-bound manner.