Nagaland Indigenous Peoples Forum flay sexual assault on a minor girl

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Indigenous Peoples Forum (NIPF) has condemned the alleged sexual assault on a minor Naga girl in New Market area, Dimapur, by a non- local shopkeeper.

Terming the act as “'heinous and unpardonable,” the forum, in a press release, noted that such kinds of “unacceptable incidents” against indigenous people are on the rise.

The forum called on law enforcement agencies to deal strictly with the culprit, invoking all relevant legal provisions.

The forum urged non-locals to respect the local culture and live in harmony with the indigenous people, conducting their businesses peacefully and lawfully. They emphasized the importance of mutual respect and cooperation, rather than exploiting the indigenous community's tolerant nature.

Also read: 10-year-old girl allegedly sexually assaulted by shopkeeper in Dimapur’s New Market

Further, the NIPF warned non-indigenous individuals to know their limits and behave accordingly, lest they face the consequences from the local community.

Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) Councillor of ward-19, Kili N Sumi, has also condemned the alleged rape of a minor Naga girl by a non-Naga shopkeeper at New Market area.

In a condemnation note, the councillor stated that the accused, reportedly “a habitual offender,” has committed a serious crime against a minor girl and created a fear psychosis on the victim.

“Such reprehensible act is a direct violation of human dignity as it possesses a severe threat not only to the victim but the safety and well-being of other minor children as well.

“The office appeals the law enforcing authorities to deliver justice by booking the accused under the relevant sections of sexual offences act and be prosecuted as per the law,” it stated.