Nagaland: Civil society organisations condemn alleged molestation of Naga woman

DIMAPUR — Multiple civil society organisations (CSOs) have strongly condemned the alleged molestation of a Naga woman on June 15 and have called for immediate and stringent legal action against the accused, identified as one resident of Khekiho village and auto driver Nur Islam of Bapura Ati (Nagaon district, Assam).

Related: Woman molested in moving autorickshaw; FIR filed

SKK: All Sumi Students’ Union (SKK), expressing outrage, said this immoral and inhumane act must be punished. It emphasised that such culprits must face the full force of the law and demanded that justice be served without delay.

Furthermore, SKK extended heartfelt sympathy and support to the victim and urged the authorities to provide her with all necessary assistance during this challenging time.

SKK also reiterated its commitment to upholding the resolutions of the Sumi Hoho, forbidding the use of Sumi names and titles by non-Nagas who do not belong to the Sumi Naga community by blood.

Stating that it is imperative to preserve cultural heritage and identity, it sternly warned any non-Nagas using Sumi Naga names or surnames without a legitimate claim to desist from such practices immediately.

Also read: Western Sumi Hoho warns against misuse of Sumi identity, condemns molestation case

WCMA: The Western Chakhesang Mothers’ Association (WCMA) said it is alarming that such an incident took place in broad daylight, raising serious concerns about the safety of women even in public spaces.

The organisation urged law enforcement agencies to take swift and strict action against the perpetrator involved and added that any compromise or leniency in such cases would set a dangerous precedent, encouraging similar crimes in the future.

DNSU: The Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), in a condemnation note, demanded immediate and decisive action from the administration and law enforcement agencies, stating that the authorities leave no stone unturned in ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.

The DNSU urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities in their efforts to combat crime.

CSU: The Chakhesang Students’ Union (CSU) demanded that law enforcement agencies expedite the investigation so that befitting punishment is imposed on the perpetrators.

Stating that it stands in solidarity with the victim, her family and village, the union said it has taken cognisance of this incident seriously and will not be a mere spectator when such incidents occur in the land.

The union also requested the government of the day, and the Home Department in particular, to meet with its enforcement agencies to review these cases over the years and take measures to help prevent such tragic incidents.

TUD: The Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible are held fully accountable under the law.

“No one should have to fear for their safety while using public transportation. It is time for all concerned—local authorities, transport unions, and civil society—to work together to strengthen safety measures, promote awareness, and ensure strict monitoring to prevent such acts from happening again,” it said.

WCYO: The Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation (WCYO) said the incident is not only a case of sexual assault but also a grave offence of kidnapping and abduction, which warrants immediate and stringent action.

WCYO also appealed to the Dimapur District Auto Drivers’ Union (DDADU) to take serious note of this incident and sensitise its drivers on the importance of professionalism, adherence to traffic rules and regulations, and maintenance of proper fare charts.

“It is imperative that drivers, particularly non-local ones, are made aware of and abide by the local laws and regulations,” it said.

DRYO: The Dimapur Rengma Youth Organisation (DRYO), in a condemnation note, demanded that law enforcement agencies take cognisance, conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure justice is served to the victim and society.

“Let us strive for a better Nagaland by overcoming this menace,” it read.

ZYOD: The Zeliang Youth Organisation Dimapur (ZYOD) said this incident reflects growing lawlessness and moral degradation in society, which must be addressed with the strictest measures.

It demanded that the authorities ensure the perpetrators face the full force of the law and urged them to enhance patrolling and surveillance to prevent such crimes in the future.

“We also reiterate the demands of Chakhesang civil societies that the investigation be fast-tracked to deliver justice without delay,” it said, adding that this incident is also a stark reminder to the government to review laws in dealing with juveniles in such serious cases.

WCU: Western Chizami Union (WCU), in its note, said this detestable act is not merely an assault on an individual but a direct affront to the dignity and safety of every woman in the community.

It said that WCU unequivocally supports the Sumi Hoho's resolution and rejects any claim of Naga identity by individuals who are not of genuine Naga descent, adding that such misrepresentation is a grave offence against customs, heritage, and the collective integrity of the people.

“The manipulation of Naga identity should not be tolerated under any circumstances,” it said.

WNYF: The Western Naga Youth Front (WNYF), while lauding the courage, vigilance, and swift action of those who came to her rescue, demanded the strictest punishment under the law for the accused.

It cautioned the authorities and the general public against non-Naga individuals adopting or using Naga indigenous names, stating that this is not only criminal but a serious affront to heritage, dignity, and social harmony.

“The sanctity of Naga indigenous identity must be legally protected from its misuse by outsiders for criminal camouflage,” it said.