- KOHIMA — The Naga
Students Federation (NSF) on Thursday reiterated its demand for temporary
suspension of IAS officer Reny Wilfred, pending investigation into charges of
alleged sexual harassment of female employees.
- Addressing a press conference here the NSF office, the
federation’s assistant general secretary, Kenilo Kent, said that it was acting
on official complaints submitted by several female employees of IDAN and
claimed that these are not unsubstantiated accusations.
- The federation expressed concern that a government official
facing serious allegations still continues to hold office with the capacity to
influence the course of the investigation and even poses risks to other
potential victims.
Also read: Naga Students’ Federation seeks immediate suspension of IAS officer
- While acknowledging that the matter is under investigation,
the NSF noted that misleading narratives on social media are diverting public
attention from the core issue.
- “We do not expect such abuse of privileges by any party or
individual involved. As such, we caution against any individual or party trying
to influence the course of the investigation. Any narrative or claims by any
party or individual whatsoever must be subjected to the competent investigative
authority,” Kent said.
- He urged the law to take due cognisance of the matter,
adding that the law must take its course.
- In the meantime, administrative measures such as suspension
are a basic necessity to uphold public confidence, he added.
- And while an investigation is underway and until such time
that a transparent and formal report is officially disclosed, the NSF appealed
to the public to respect the sentiments and privacy of the victims as well as
the accused.
- The federation also urged the public to refrain from
unsubstantiated speculations and asserted that it stands resolute in its demand
that pending an impartial and transparent investigative report, the officer
should be placed under temporary suspension.
